<div><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p><strong>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.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><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"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><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"></p><h5><strong>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?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>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?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>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.</p></div>

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

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

<p><strong>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 </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><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"></p><div><p>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.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></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.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, 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.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“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.”</i></p><p><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"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“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,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>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.</p><p><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"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>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;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><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></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>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 <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. 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.</p></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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Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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SelectScience

<p><strong>Is your raw material identification (ID) testing process optimized? Can it handle a high volume of receipts without stretching your QC budget? If you use a sampling booth and/or open papers sacks, plastics buckets/drums, or other commonly used pharmaceutical containers to ID excipients, API, or other raw materials, your ID process can be improved.</strong></p>
<p>This webinar will describe how raw material verification testing is now possible through transparent and non-transparent packaging directly in quarantine using Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS). The Agilent Vaya Raman is the first handheld spectrometer incorporating SORS to quickly identify raw materials directly through containers in a cGMP environment. This webinar will also discuss SORS technology, its impact on the ID test process, and subsequent return on investment (ROI) against current ID testing solutions.</p>
<h5><strong>Key learning objectives</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Understand how raw material identity verification through transparent and non-transparent containers removes the need for sampling, increasing testing throughput without increasing costs</li>
<li>Learn how the Vaya system, with true through-barrier SORS technology, works through most common containers – from clear glass vials to multilayer paper sacks</li>
<li>Learn how Vaya improves current testing protocols – from low volume sampling to 100% ID testing</li>
<li>Discover the ROI against classic conventional Raman handhelds and NIR systems</li>
<li>Understand how to streamline an identification process with Vaya</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>QC lab managers, analysts, and scientists</li>
<li>Raw material managers</li>
<li>Plant managers</li>
<li>Operation efficiency managers</li>
<li>Continuous improvement managers</li>
<li>Vice Presidents of Quality and Operations</li>
<li>PAT scientists</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Frederic Prulliere (Raman ID Product Manager, Agilent Technologies)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Frederic Prulliere is the Product Manager for the Raman ID product line at Agilent Technologies. Prulliere leads the product development of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy-based solutions, particularly for verifying raw materials at reception. He joined Agilent Technologies in 2012 as a business development manager for mobile Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).</p>
</blockquote>


SelectScience: Rapidly scan your raw materials with SORS

Rapidly scan your raw materials with SORS

We will describe how raw material verification testing is now possible through transparent and non-transparent packaging directly in quarantine using SORS.

<p><strong>We’ll explore polymer characterization, including quick polymer identification for recycling purposes, identifying product defects or failures for quality control, reverse engineering to facilitate product development. We’ll dive into polymer research – an active area of scientific endeavor where performance and a reduced environmental impact are key elements of interest. Learn why vibrational spectroscopy (infrared (IR) and Raman) instruments are useful for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting, as IR and Raman are highly specific and sensitive tools that are non-destructive and easy to use.</strong></p>
<p>During the session, we’ll offer clear examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.</p>
<h5><strong>Key webinar take-aways:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>The importance of polymer research where performance and a reduced environmental impact are key elements of interest.</li>
<li>Utilizing vibrational spectroscopy (infrared (IR) and Raman) as a useful tool for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting.</li>
<li>IR and Raman are highly specific and sensitive tools that are non-destructive and easy to use.</li>
<li>Examples will be presented demonstrating the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Tom Tague (Applications Manager, Bruker Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Tom Tague is the Applications Manager for Bruker Optics. He is also a member of the Visiting Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Strategic Advisory Board of Amplified Sciences. Dr. Tague received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in Physical Chemistry and his B.S. also in Chemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also conducted his postdoctoral research at the University of Virginia working with Professor Lester Andrews. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, American Physical Society, and the Optical Society of America. Dr. Tague is active in developing new methods and instrumentation with the goal of improving the sensitivity and detection limits of spectroscopy related applications. Tom has more than 90 publications and 5 Patents.</p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Adrian Malec: Polymer Science A to Z: Getting Answers from FTIR and Raman Analyses

Polymer Science A to Z: Getting Answers from FTIR and Raman Analyses

Let’s tackle the science of polymer analysis using the power of spectroscopy, including identification, quality control and reverse engineering. 

Polymer Science A to Z: FTIR and Raman Analyses

<p><strong>Designed to be used in a GMP-compliant warehouse, the Agilent Vaya Raman system accelerates the identification test by enabling raw-material testing through transparent and opaque containers.</strong></p>
<p>Leveraging a patented optical design and algorithm, Vaya uses spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology to transform the reception of raw materials.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Raw Materials ID and Counterfeit ID Workshop: Learn how Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) Simplifies this Analysis

Raw Materials ID and Counterfeit ID Workshop: Learn how Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) Simplifies this Analysis

Leveraging a patented optical design and algorithm, Vaya uses spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology to transform the reception of raw materials.

Raw Materials ID and Counterfeit ID Workshop: SORS

<p><strong>Learn more about handheld Raman technologies and their effectiveness for raw material control in pharmaceutical manufacturing settings.</strong></p>
<p>The use of the NanoRam-1064 is highlighted as it can be used to overcome fluorescence and is able to identify many complex and colored materials often used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Katherine A. Bakeev, Ph.D. (B&amp;W Tek)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Adam J. Hopkins, Ph.D. (Metrohm USA)</p>
</blockquote>


Raw Material Control Strategies

Learn more about handheld Raman technologies and their effectiveness for raw material control in pharmaceutical manufacturing settings.

Raw Material Control Strategies with handheld Raman

<p><strong>In this webinar, learn how accurate, reliable and portable screening tools can help detect substandard and counterfeit medicines.</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Mustapha Hajjou (PQM, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention)</p>
</blockquote>


Metrohm: Screening in post-marketing surveillance

Screening in post-marketing surveillance

In this webinar, learn how accurate, reliable and portable screening tools can help detect substandard and counterfeit medicines.

Medicines Quality Screening in post-marketing surveillance

<p><strong>Characterization of geological materials, including elemental composition, chemical speciation, and phase determination, is of primary importance for assessing their natural resources as well as their exploration, beneficiation, and extraction processes for industrial needs.</strong></p>
<p>X-ray techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), have long been essential tools in geological research. Due to the relatively quick and simple sample preparation, XRF has become the technique of choice for the analysis of rocks and minerals. New generations of XRF analyzers also permit analysis of small spots down to 0.5 mm as well as mapping of a selected area of a sample. These new possibilities open up the XRF technique to heterogeneous samples where segregations, defects, or inclusions can now be determined. Coupling these capabilities with standard-less analysis allows quantification of up to 79 elements of the periodic table on selected points or areas of the sample. On the other hand, XRD measurements of crystalline materials in combination with Rietveld refinement is widely recognized as the most powerful method for quantitative crystalline-phase analysis.</p>
<p>Deriving chemical and structural information from the fundamental vibrations of molecular bonds, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy also find many applications in geosciences research, including identification of minerals and their polymorphic forms, differentiation from other organic and inorganic materials, qualitative and quantitative determination of structural incorporated molecules and defects, characterization of thermal maturity, etc.</p>
<p>In this presentation, several real-world geological applications using X-ray and vibrational spectroscopic techniques will be presented. The complementarity of different analytical techniques will also be discussed.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Christopher Shaffer (Business Development Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Chris is the Business Development Manager for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Bulk Element Analysis (BEA) Division (x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence and optical emission spectroscopy). He has been with the BEA business since 2007. After graduating from college, Chris started his career at the Ferro Corporation managing an analytical laboratory, where he first learned the techniques of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Chris left Ferro to join Thermo Fisher Scientific as an XRF applications specialist for North America. In 2011, he moved to Switzerland to become the product manager for the newly launched Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ Perform’X XRF. In 2013, Chris moved back to North America as Latin American business manager for the BEA group and in 2017, he moved to his current position.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Rui Chen (Applications Manager, Spectroscopy, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Rui Chen obtained his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Alberta, Canada, followed by an Alberta Ingenuity Postdoctoral fellowship. Rui has extensive experience in a wide range of analytical techniques including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and vibrational spectroscopy. Currently, he is the senior manager of the applications team at Thermo Fisher Scientific supporting vibrational spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, extrusion, and rheology product lines.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Scientific: Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Several real-world geological applications using X-ray and vibrational spectroscopic techniques.

Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD

<p><strong>The development of next-generation advanced materials requires analytical tools that cover multiple hyphenated techniques to save material usage while gaining additional analytical insight from the sample.</strong></p>
<p>In this talk, we will explore various applications across R&amp;D.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ron Rubinovitz (Senior Application Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Ron Rubinovitz earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, he is a senior applications scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, focusing on FTIR, IR microscopy, FT-Raman, Near-IR, and chemometrics. Ron has extensive experience in the field of vibrational spectroscopy. He has worked with a wide range of sampling techniques covering applications in pharmaceutical, industrial, and food industries.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Scientific: Pushing the Boundaries in Material Research

Pushing the Boundaries in Material Research

<p><strong>The fundamentals of fluorescence analysis will be discussed. Topics considered will be choosing the best excitation wavelength, identifying interferences like the Raman band and second order peaks from the monochromator. Concentration quenching, environmental factors, and a variety of other factors will be discussed.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong> Dean Brown (Application Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p><p>A graduate of the University of Maryland and West Virginia University. Started as research scientist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine developing clinical laboratory assays. Transitions to an Applications Scientist for Uv/Vis/Nir, Fluorescence, IR and Raman spectroscopy. He has published numerous papers in the field of molecular spectroscopy and served on a number of Committees.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Webinars On Demand

Back to Basics with Fluorescence: A Tips & Tricks Workshop

The fundamentals of fluorescence analysis will be discussed - choosing the best excitation wavelength, identifying interferences and a variety of other factors.

<p><strong>The Pharmaceutical industry is required to verify all incoming raw materials that will go into making of the drug product. The typical sequence is to first quarantine the raw materials, then move it to the sampling room and take an aliquot for analysis in the laboratory. The material is then moved to a second quarantine location until it is verified, then it can be put on the warehouse shelf and used in production.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Raman spectroscopy can circumvent this multi-step process by identifying the incoming material directly on the warehouse floor through the unopened container using SORS technology. The material can then be immediate placed in the warehouse for production.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong> Dean Brown (Application Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p><p>A graduate of the University of Maryland and West Virginia University. Started as research scientist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine developing clinical laboratory assays. Transitions to an Applications Scientist for Uv/Vis/Nir, Fluorescence, IR and Raman spectroscopy. He has published numerous papers in the field of molecular spectroscopy and served on a number of Committees.</p></blockquote>

Through Barrier Chemical Analysis and Identification: Tips & Tricks Workshop

Raman spectroscopy can identify the incoming material directly on the warehouse floor through the unopened container using SORS technology. 

GCMS webinars focusing on RAMAN - page 9