ISC 2026 Short Course 3 - Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers
International Symposium on Chromatography: ISC 2026 Short Course 3 - Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers
ISC 2026
The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is one of the premier meetings series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.
The major focus of the symposium will be on the impact of chromatography and separation science to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, environmental, food and health industry, as well as science and medicine. The symposium programme will reflect these themes and highlight new challenges and emerging opportunities for the science and marketing of separation and detection systems and methods.
As an integral part of the scientific programme of lectures and poster sessions, an international exhibition and vendor seminars on instrumentation and services for chromatography, separation science and mass spectrometry will be organised. ISC 2026 will provide the perfect forum for attendees from academia, industry and government research institutions for scientific exchange and networking.
ISC 2026 SYMPOSIUM KEY DATES
6-10 SEPTEMBER 2026
- 15 January 2026: Opening of Early-bird Registration & Abstract submission
- 11 March 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (orals)
- 21 April 2026: Sending acceptance letters (orals)
- 15 May 2026: Deadline of early-bird registration and payment & Author registration deadline (orals)
- 1 June 2026: Preliminary detailed program on web
- 1 June 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (posters)
- 16 June 2026: Sending acceptance letters (posters)
- Authors who submit their abstracts with a poster preference by 5 May 2026 will be notified of the outcome by 12 May 2026 and will have the opportunity to register at the early-bird rate until 15 May 2026.
- 30 June 2026: Author registration deadline (posters)
- 30 July 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (late-breaking posters)
- without the possibility of competing for the Best Poster Award
- 11 August 2026: Sending acceptance letters (late-breaking posters)
- 18 August 2026: Author registration deadline (late-breaking posters)
- 25 August 2026: Deadline for late registration & payment
- 6-10 September 2026: Symposium
REGISTRATION
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
SHORT COURSES
SC 3 Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers
🗓️ SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2026
🕗 8:30 – 11:45
Mass spectrometry has become an essential tool in modern liquid chromatography, yet many chromatographers receive limited formal training in mass-spectral interpretation. This introductory short course provides a practical guide to understanding and interpreting mass spectra generated by the atmospheric-pressure ionization techniques coupled with LC: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI). The course begins by outlining the information that mass spectrometry adds beyond a chromatogram and clarifying which analytical questions mass spectrometry can – and cannot – answer. Participants receive a concise refresher on mass-spectrometric fundamentals, along with an introduction to key terminology. The principles and practical consequences of ionization methods are then discussed, with emphasis on how ionization physics, LC conditions, and mobile-phase additives shape spectral appearance. Building on this foundation, the course develops practical skills for interpreting LC-ESI spectra: locating the molecular ion, determining charge state, recognizing common adducts, distinguishing in-source artefacts, and using isotope patterns to support elemental-composition hypotheses. Participants then explore how MS/MS fragmentation provides structural clues, with straightforward rules of thumb for neutral losses and class-specific fragmentation behaviors. The course concludes with an integrative exercise that synthesizes chromatographic, full-scan, and MS/MS information to support spectral interpretation. By the end, participants will be equipped with the essential skills needed to interpret LC-MS spectra effectively and to apply mass-spectrometric reasoning in routine chromatographic analysis.
Lecturers
Josef Cvačka
- Josef Cvačka is head of the Mass Spectrometry Group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences and an associate professor at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. His research focuses on the structural analysis of bioactive organic compounds using advanced mass-spectrometric techniques. He develops methods for pinpointing double-bond and methyl-branching positions in lipids and aims to discover new lipid classes in biological samples. His laboratory also designs new ion sources for MS and HPLC/MS. He teaches and supervises students at Charles University and founded the Czech Museum of Mass Spectrometry.
ISC 2026: Josef Cvačka
