<div>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</div><div><h3>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"><h5>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</h5>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.<h5>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</h5>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.<h5>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</h5>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.<h5>What challenges have you encountered?</h5>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.<h5>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</h5>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.<h5>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</h5>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.<h5>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</h5>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.<h3>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"><h5>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</h5>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.<h5>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</h5>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.<h5>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</h5>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.<h5>What collaborations support your research?</h5>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.<h5>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</h5>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.<h5>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</h5>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.<h5>What are your visions for the future?</h5>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.<h5>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</h5>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Chemical Biology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.Hana Cahová adds: “We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from Thermus thermophilus. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

Article

Application

Scientists

Science and research

Video

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

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Have you ever seen analyte peaks show up in a blank, or extra peaks suddenly appear out of nowhere?
It is likely that you have some carryover or contamination in your system. Contamination that creates ghost and carryover peaks can be introduced at different points, including sample preparation, introduction, and separation. The additional peaks can cause false positive identifications and/or inaccurate quantitative results. 
Join us as we discuss the most common sources of carryover and how to address them.
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Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
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Agilent Technologies: Don’t Get Carried Away by Carryover: Troubleshooting GC Chromatography

Don’t Get Carried Away by Carryover: Troubleshooting GC Chromatography

The most common sources of carryover and how to address them.

Troubleshooting GC Chromatography

Injecting water into your GC may be convenient, especially if you are working with compounds that have limited solubility in organic solvents or with water samples. However, there are many potential problems with water, including injector and detector issues.
Join us as we take a dive deep and explore water injections and not only how to perform them correctly, but also the many pointers to keep in mind when working with water.
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Presenter: Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Twin Falls Idaho.
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Agilent Technologies: Navigating Troubled Waters: A Deep Dive into Water Injections by GC

Navigating Troubled Waters: A Deep Dive into Water Injections by GC

Water injections and not only how to perform them correctly, but also the many pointers to keep in mind when working with water in GC.

A Deep Dive into Water Injections by GC

The quality and safety of pharmaceutical products are the top concerns of regulators. In recent years, regulatory agencies and pharmacopeia&#39;s have strengthened their position on preventing drug adulteration in both active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and excipients by enacting new regulations and developing new documentary and reference standards.
<ul>
<li>In May’23, USFDA released ‘Guidance for Industry’ mentioning about quantitative testing of DEG and EG levels for representative samples of each shipment of each lot before use in product manufacturing by gas chromatography (GC) instrument.</li>
<li>Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry (INDIA) also released notification for amendment in Chapter-30 of Schedule 2 (Export Policy) related to export of Cough Syrups.</li>
<li>WHO is also focusing on targeted quality testing of medicinal syrups imported to Rest of the World &amp; Developing nations to confirm quality &amp; compliance of syrups with respect to DEG &amp; EG levels.</li>
</ul>
Join this webinar to hear IPC, USP and Agilent experts share their views on:
<ol>
<li>Role of Pharmacopeia&#39;s in ensuring Quality of Pharmaceutical products and excipients</li>
<li>Importance of Excipient Quality to Medicine Quality</li>
<li>Understanding of high-risk excipients</li>
<li>Advanced workflows to comply with latest regulatory and Pharmacopeial updates</li>
</ol>
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Presenter: Dr. Tong (Jenny) Liu (Principal Scientist in Global Science and Standards - Excipients, United States Pharmacopeia)
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Dr. Tong (Jenny) Liu is a Principal Scientist in Global Science and Standards — Excipients at the United States Pharmacopeial (USP). She is currently responsible for the development, update, and harmonization of excipient monographs and excipients-related general chapters under the work plan of the Pharmacopeial Discussion Group (PDG). PDG strives for the harmonization of compendial standards among European Pharmacopeia, Indian Pharmacopeia, Japanese Pharmacopeia, and the United States Pharmacopeia.
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Dr. Liu has 20+ years of experience in analytical method development and validation for pharmaceutical products. She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Boston University, Boston, USA. Supported by NIH Fellowship, she performed post-doctoral research in the Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA.
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Presenter: Mr. Arvind Kumar Sharma (Scientific Assistant, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare - Government of India)
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With six years of experience as a Scientific Assistant at Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, he has played a key role in the current development of Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances (IPRS) and Impurity Reference Substances. He has been engaged in the preparation and updating of draft monographs for publishing in Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Additionally, he has played a major role in the development of the latest edition of the National Formulary of India 2021 and has been involved in work related to the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). He holds a a M. Pharmacy in Pharmacology from Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pune and a B. Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy, IPS Academy Indore. He has authored several articles published in international journals and organized and represented IPC at various national and international conferences and workshops. He has also participated in joint inspections for registration of manufacturing units and testing laboratories.
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Presenter: Mr. Praveen Arya (Application Engineer - GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)
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Praveen Arya, Application Engineer at Agilent technologies, has a commitment and appreciation for Gas-phase residue applications. In 2005, Mr. Praveen Arya completed his M.Sc. in Food Technology . After post-graduation, he served as a Senior Analyst at SGS, Gurgaon- a commercial testing laboratory for 6 years and developed expertise in Residue analysis using sophisticated chromatographic instruments such as LCMS and GCMS. After that, in 2011, He joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Engineer where he supported country-wide GCMS customers for resolving application issues and method development. He has more than 18 years of experience in residue analysis in food and environmental samples using various high end chromatographic and spectrometric techniques (GC, GCMS, GCMS/MS, TDS, Headspace, Purge &amp; trap etc.). His area of specialization includes new analytical method development and validation as per national and international guidelines.
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Agilent: Evolving Landscape on Control of Excipients Quality in Pharmaceutical Products

Evolving Landscape on Control of Excipients Quality in Pharmaceutical Products

PC, USP and Agilent experts share their views on the role of Pharmacopeia's in ensuring Quality of Pharmaceutical products and excipients

Control of Excipients Quality in Pharmaceutical Products

USP General Chapter &lt;621&gt; Chromatography is one of the most significant general chapters of USP-NF compendia, referenced in several components such as identity, assay, impurities and foreign substances, etc., of almost all its monographs.
Establishing meaningful system suitability criteria for chromatography procedures are the key in obtaining reportable results used for compendial/regulatory compliance purpose. The chapter provides definitions for chromatographic attributes and parameters and the extent of adjustments in chromatographic conditions that can be done to the compendial procedures provided the system suitability criteria set and other performance characteristics are met.
In this webinar we will give an overview of General Chapter &lt;621&gt; Chromatography and the allowed adjustments to chromatographic conditions in the USP monographs based on the recent revisions of General Chapter &lt;621&gt;. Some case studies will be discussed.
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Presenter: Manu Grover (Business Development Manager – Pharma Markets, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Manu Grover holds a postgraduate degree in Pharmacy from Manipal Academy, India. He has more than 21 years of chromatography experience and has worked in pharmaceuticals to support IND, NDA, and ANDA filings incompanies such as Dr. Reddy&#39;s, Panacea Biotec, and Ozone Pharmaceuticals. During his professional journey, he has developed and validated analytical methods on HPLC, GC, particle sizing, DSC, pXRD, and LC/MS instruments, as well as successfully filing multiple analytical dossiers in U.S./EU markets. In his current role, he works closely with the Agilent sales team, regulators, and pharmaceutical scientists. He shares market updates, trends, and expertise related tothe Agilent portfolio of columns and supplies.
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Presenter: Edmond Biba, Phd (Principal Scientist, USP)
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Dr. Edmond Biba is a Principal Scientist in the General Chapters Department, Science Division, at the United States Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention. He is responsible for the development of several new USP-NF General Chapters, including a suite of chapters on Analytical Methodologies Based on Scattering Phenomena, Nitrosamine Impurities, and Image Analysis of Pharmaceutical Systems. These were produced with the USP volunteers and expert committee/expert panel members.
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One of his responsibilities is maintaining a portfolio of USP-NF General Chapters. This includes keeping up-to-date scientific and regulatory content in these chapters by continuously reviewing and revising the chapters as needed, with the help of responsible USP expert committees or expert panels. Some representatives of the current chapters in the portfolio are: &lt;621&gt; Chromatography, &lt;197&gt; Spectroscopic Identification Tests, &lt;467&gt; Residual Solvents, &lt;1469&gt; Nitrosamine Impurities, &lt;429&gt; Light Diffraction Measurements of Particle Size, &lt;430&gt; Particle Size Analysis by Dynamic Light Scattering, &lt;432&gt; Determination of Zeta Potential by Electrophoretic Light Scattering, &lt;854&gt; Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy.
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Dr. Biba received his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the American University, Washington DC, and a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Tirana, Albania. Dr. Biba is member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, the American Chemical Society, and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. He is USP’s representative for ICH’s Residual Solvents Q3C (R9) and Mutagenic Impurities M7 (R2) working groups, and to the Product Quality Technical Committee (PQTC) of the Product Quality Research Institute (PQRI).
</blockquote>

Agilent - Harmonized USP Chapter 621 Chromatography – Recent Revisions

Harmonized USP Chapter 621 Chromatography – Recent Revisions

An overview of General Chapter <621> Chromatography and the allowed adjustments to chromatographic conditions in the USP monographs

Are you ready to elevate your understanding of Nitrogen analysis by Gas Chromatography (GC)? Dive deep into the intricacies of N₂ analysis, gain valuable insights, and optimize your analytical processes for unparalleled precision.
<h4>Webinar Highlights:</h4>
1. Understanding the Importance of N₂ Analysis
<ul>
<li>Explore the significance of nitrogen analysis in various industries.</li>
<li>Learn how accurate N₂ measurements contribute to quality control and regulatory compliance.</li>
</ul>
2. Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography for N₂ Analysis
<ul>
<li>Delve into the basics of Gas Chromatography and its application in nitrogen analysis.</li>
<li>Gain insights into the key components and parameters for successful N₂ analysis.</li>
</ul>
3. Discover best practices for setting up and optimizing your GC system
<ul>
<li>Learn how to choose the right columns, detectors, and conditions.</li>
<li>Identify and overcome common issues encountered.</li>
<li>Get practical tips for troubleshooting to ensure accurate and reliable results.</li>
</ul>
4. Q&amp;A Session
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Presenter: Dr. Soma Dasgupta (Application Engineer GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)
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With over 17 years of extensive experience in gas chromatography, Dr. Soma has explored diverse facets of this analytical technique, addressing inquiries across various sectors, from ensuring food safety to advancing pharmaceutical analyses. Her academic journey includes doctoral research at the University of Pune, where her focus was on developing comprehensive methods for analyzing agro-chemicals in fruits and vegetables.
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Previously, having served as a Field Application Specialist for three years, she honed her expertise in the practical applications of gas chromatography. Since joining Agilent Technologies, she have been an integral part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing solutions that cater to our customers&#39; analytical needs. Her specialization encompasses multi-residue method development, with a specific focus on pesticides and environmental applications, as well as expertise in identifying genotoxic impurities in pharmaceuticals.
</blockquote>
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Throughout her career, She has contributed significantly to the field, with a portfolio of more than 25 publications, application notes, and a book chapter.
</blockquote>

Agilent: Nitrogen (N₂) Analysis by Agilent GC

Nitrogen (N₂) Analysis by Agilent GC

Dive deep into the intricacies of N2 analysis, gain valuable insights, and optimize your analytical processes for unparalleled precision.

We just faced a new Helium shortage period which resulted in important price increase but also in supply issue.
These critical events are becoming more and more frequent and if today there is no more issue with Helium delivery the price is still extremely high and will continue to increase. 
In order to secure the lab from potential future shortage but also to reduce the analysis cost more and more analyst are switching to alternate carrier gas.
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Presenter: Laurent Pascaud (Product Specialist GC &amp; GC/MS, Agilent)
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After 10 years of experience within the French Anti-Doping Agency, Laurent Pascaud joined Agilent Technologies in 2007.
</blockquote>
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He now has over 15 years of analytical development expertise, first as an applications engineer and then as a GC and GCMS product specialist in various chemical markets.
</blockquote>

Agilent - Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Transition from Helium to Alternate Carrier Gas

Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Transition from Helium to Alternate Carrier Gas

In order to secure the lab from potential future shortage but also to reduce the analysis cost more and more analyst are switching to alternate carrier gas.

Smooth Transition from Helium to Alternate Carrier Gas

In Gas chromatography 90% of trouble occurs in the injection system.
In this troubleshooting session we will discuss the 10 most important maintenance points focusing on split/splitless injection systems. We will discuss the purpose and impact of the critical parts and setup used in split and splitless injection and how it impacts your results. We will then cover installation, peak shape, contamination sources for sample and system, carrier gas, maintenance and life time using practical examples.

Restek Corporation: Top 10 Maintenance Tips For Your GC Split/Splitless Injection System

Top 10 Maintenance Tips For Your GC Split/Splitless Injection System

In this troubleshooting session we will discuss the 10 most important maintenance points focusing on split/splitless injection systems.

Maintenance Tips For GC Split/Splitless Injection System

<h3>PhenoAcademy Webinars - Gas Chromatography Series</h3>
<h4>Troubleshooting for Gas Chromatography</h4>
<ul>
<li>Master how to recognize symptoms of challenges with method performance</li>
<li>Identify active sites and impurities within the column and system</li>
<li>Understand how to attribute common maintenance practices to specific remedies</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Duilio Romanello (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
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Duilio Romanello graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from University of Bologna. Duilio then joined Phenomenex in 2008 as an Inside Technical Sales Consultant becoming Team Leader in Italy for GC/SPE in 2010 and then for the Environmental &amp; Food Team.
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Since 2016 he has been covering the role of Account Manager for the South of Italy working remotely and acting as GC Specialist. Since November 2023 he is Senior Technical Specialist for the Technical team at Phenomenex.
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Presenter: Zachary Woodward (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
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<blockquote>
Zachary Woodward is a Senior Technical Specialist with Phenomenex, Inc, assisting laboratories with method development in the bio-pharma, environmental, and food industries. Zachary spent his formative years developing HPLC and GC methods with a pharmaceutical lab in Albany, NY, after which he developed HPLC and SPE methods in the clinical setting here in Southern California. Zachary received his B.Sci. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, was awarded his Master’s in Chemistry at San Diego State University, and is happy to speak with you today!
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Lucia Geis Asteggiante (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
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Lucia is a Senior Technical Specialist that has recently joined Phenomenex’s Global Technical Team. She has a broad experience in the field of Analytical Chemistry with a particular focus on LC chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Lucia comes from a strong academic and regulatory background with experiences ranging from method development and analysis of small molecules to large protein complexes. She gained her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland - College Park, USA and did her post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford, UK. During her time as a researcher, she has authored/co-authored 23 scientific publications and 2 book chapters.
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Troubleshooting for Gas Chromatography

Recognize symptoms of challenges with method performance , identify active sites and impurities within the column and system

Purge &amp; Trap technology is often used to achieve the legal detection limits of volatile and very volatile organic compounds in water samples. Especially in case of water intended for human consumption, the regulatory requirements are particularly stringent. When dealing with more complex matrices, headspace analysis offers a much cleaner approach compared to purging the sample. However, sensitivity could be limited without a suitable enrichment of the analytes before injection.
The technological developments in recent years on new headspace extraction/enrichment techniques, such as ITEX (In Tube Extraction), makes possible to achieve low detection limits for volatiles with a clean sampling approach, without purging. Different adsorbents can be used for ITEX depending on the analytical demand. Additionally, a suitable refocusing before transferring the sample into the chromatography column, provides narrow peaks, better signal-to-noise and enhanced sensitivity especially for very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs). This webinar gives an insight of the available technology along with various examples from a routine laboratory.
<h5>Who should attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory manager of environmental testing laboratories</li>
<li>Analysts who have to detect trace levels of VOCs and VVOCs in water</li>
<li>Analysts looking for a clean and sensitive sampling techniques for VOCs and VVOCs in water</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, GC &amp; Autosampler, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received a Master Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation and more than 15 years in product and marketing management roles promoting GC/GC-MS technology and applications.
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Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager EMEA GC &amp; GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Petra Gerhards is a Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team, she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS.
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ThermoFisher Scientific: Improvements for the analysis of very volatile organic compounds (VVOC) using static and dynamic headspace

Improvements for the analysis of very volatile organic compounds (VVOC) using static and dynamic headspace

Insight of the available technology for headspace extraction/enrichment techniques, such as ITEX, along with various examples from a routine laboratory.

Analysis of VVOC using static and dynamic headspace

In this session, discover how Wiley’s <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1016">KnowItAll</a> saves hours of GC-MS manual analysis time by combining fast, flexible deconvolution with an integrated reference database search into a single, automated workflow to identify components.
In this session we will demonstrate through a series of live examples:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1016">KnowItAll’s</a> various <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1020">methods for GC-MS analysis</a> and how they can impact your workflow. </li>
<li>How <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1016">KnowItAll</a> is optimized for searching and review popular <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=249&amp;search=Wiley">GC-MS libraries</a>, such as the <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/886">Wiley Registry 2023</a>, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/884">NIST</a>, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/937">MMPW</a>, or <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/939">MS of Designer Drugs</a>.</li>
</ul>
This session is recommended for:
<ul>
<li>Scientists and chemists who use mass spectrometry or are interested in learning more about our capabilities. </li>
<li>Professors and students engaged in chemistry and mass spectrometry courses or lab work.</li>
</ul>
About KnowItAll:
KnowItAll combines all the tools and spectral databases you need for effective analysis into a single, easy-to-use interface to make your lab its most efficient. Compatible with over 130 instrument formats, it streamlines your entire workflow regardless of how many techniques and instruments you use. Learn more at <a href="sciencesolutions.wiley.com">sciencesolutions.wiley.com</a>
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Presenter: Dr. Leanna Ergin
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<blockquote>
Dr. Leanna Ergin is an Assistant Editor for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she helps create tools for spectroscopy, structural, and scientific standard reference data and helps create innovative software applications. Leanna completed her PhD in Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University, where she developed a protocol for processing hyperspectral image data that distinguishes the spectra, removes degeneracies caused by symmetry, and is generalized to work with any number of wavelength dimensions and spectra. The results are mapped to the full RGB colorspace of modern computer displays. Leanna joined Wiley in 2022.
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GCMS webinars focusing on GC - page 10

Introduction to KnowItAll for Mass Spectrometry