After a pandemic-induced pause, Riva del Garda (Italy) will once again play host to the (44th) International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and the (21st) GC×GC Symposia, on May 17–22, 2026.
Long-time leader of the event Luigi Mondello shares the driving forces behind the relaunch: a surge in chromatographic innovation, a need for in-person exchange, and a global community eager to reconnect – especially at Riva del Garda.
Why have you decided to restart the Riva conference?
Now is the perfect moment to resume Riva: scientific innovation has continued to advance, and the world still needs a premier platform to showcase it. In recent years, the demand for sophisticated analytical technologies has only grown – particularly in capillary gas chromatography (GC), comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC), nano and capillary liquid chromatography (LC), and critically, their coupling with mass spectrometry.
The Riva conference reboot is more than a continuation; it’s a reconnection – a revival of a global community committed to collaborative innovation and excellence in separation science.
For decades, the Riva Symposium has played a pivotal role in presenting emerging technologies, fostering interdisciplinary exchange, and supporting early-career scientists. Reviving it means reigniting that original spark at a time when rapid, precise chemical analysis is more essential than ever – for environmental protection, health diagnostics, food safety, and beyond. Riva returns with a renewed mission and sharpened scientific focus, not just as a conference, but as a guiding force in the future of chromatography.
What made the Riva conferences unique?
No other event matched Riva in spirit and scale while maintaining such a sharp scientific focus. Its high level of specialization made it synonymous with excellence in capillary gas chromatography and GC×GC, while also embracing nano and capillary LC and miniaturized sample preparation. Riva offered a unique, high-impact platform where leading separation scientists could engage in deep, meaningful exchanges – far beyond standard presentations. Participants didn’t just showcase cutting-edge mass spectrometry hyphenation and modern column technologies; they actively shaped advances in data processing and miniaturized systems through dynamic discussion.
Riva struck the perfect balance: a global draw for experts, yet intimate and long enough to allow for spontaneous conversations, mentoring, and strategic partnerships. Face-to-face interactions – over coffee, through handshakes – fueled genuine collaboration. The conference attracted top researchers, industry leaders, academics, and regulatory figures, with strong support from instrument manufacturers who used the event to unveil innovations and gather valuable feedback. The setting fostered a rare synergy between scientific research and real-world application.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Riva del Garda, the conference became more than a professional event – it was a scientific retreat. It brought together people with a shared mission and community spirit. To me, Riva is not just a responsibility – it is a scientific home. It’s where friendships form, careers begin, collaborations spark, and new technologies take shape.
The silence after 2020 was loud. Over the past few years, many colleagues – scientists, early-career researchers, and industry leaders alike – have expressed how deeply they miss Riva. Restarting the conference is not only about honoring its legacy but also about guiding the future of separation science.
What will be the focus of Riva 2026?
Riva 2026 stands as a transformed flagship event dedicated to advanced separation techniques that connect molecular science to broader implications. Riva 2026 seeks to reinstate the symposium as the leading international platform for capillary gas chromatography and GC×GC, along with hyphenated techniques, nano and capillary LC, and miniaturized sample preparation – introducing a strong focus on data analytics and sustainable technology while emphasizing practical applications.
Riva 2026 will present the latest developments in separation science, including novel stationary phases and automated workflows. The event stands alone as the only program specifically tailored to meet the needs of researchers, developers, and end-users working with gas-phase and nano/capillary liquid separations. The influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our research fields will also be discussed and evaluated. At Riva del Garda, researchers find themselves part of a personal community space where dialogues extend beyond traditional academic talks.
Who should attend Riva 2026?
Riva 2026 is open to the entire chromatographic ecosystem. Academic professionals can present groundbreaking research and identify opportunities for collaboration. Industry professionals can explore advanced methods, real-world applications, and vendor solutions tailored to their analytical needs. Instrument developers and vendors will showcase their latest innovations through live demonstrations and build direct connections with end-users and scientific leaders. Students and early-career scientists will gain expert knowledge, present their research, and grow their professional networks.
Both seasoned chromatographers and newcomers will find valuable opportunities and inspiration at Riva 2026, taking place from May 17 to May 22, 2026, in Riva del Garda, Italy. The ISCC and GC×GC scientific committees will be finalized soon, and outreach for partners and sponsors will begin this year.
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