Over nearly four decades, the International Symposium on Hyphenated Techniques in Chromatography and Separation Technology (HTC) series has built a strong international reputation as a premier forum dedicated to hyphenated and automated separation systems. What sets HTC apart is its unique position at the interface between academia and industry. The conference consistently attracts a large industrial community alongside leading academic researchers, creating a dynamic environment where fundamental research meets real-world implementation. Instrument and equipment vendors also play an integral role, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in a large integrated exhibition area that hosts posters, catering, and vendor seminars – maximizing interaction and enabling cross-fertilization of ideas.
HTC-19 will feature a rich and forward-looking scientific program, including plenary lectures, keynote talks, oral presentations, tutorials, and hands-on short courses. The conference will highlight the latest advances and emerging trends in separation science and analytical chemistry, ranging from fundamental aspects to high-end implementations of state-of-the-art hyphenated separation techniques across various application fields. Emphasis will be placed on, for example, developments in liquid, gas, and supercritical fluid chromatography, column technology, chromatographic hardware, computational chromatography, multidimensional separations, advanced mass spectrometry, method development, data treatment, and open science.
Special focus will be given to “The Power of the Hyphen” and “Predicting the Future” (RSC sessions), underscoring hyphenated techniques and forward-looking strategies in analytical science. Innovations in detector technology for LC and GC will be highlighted, showcasing improvements in performance, sensitivity, and selectivity. Advances in protein-based biotherapeutics and state-of-the-art approaches for oligonucleotide analysis will be presented, underlining cutting-edge separation and detection solutions for complex biomolecules. The program also covers, in depth, the exploitation of AI and modeling in separations and detection, illustrating the growing role of digital tools in method development and data interpretation. Further sessions will address innovations in LC, GC, and HRMS-based non-targeted analysis, next-level hyphenated techniques for ultra-sensitive metabolomics, and advances in green hyphenated sample preparation (EuChemS-DAC session). State-of-the-art developments in 2D-LC and 2D-GC will be explored, together with advances in natural product and food analysis. The conference also emphasizes data mining and curation of hyphenated chromatographic data, reflecting the increasing importance of intelligent data handling in modern analytical workflows. Applications will range across (bio-)pharmaceuticals, metabolomics, clinical and medical research, food and beverages, environmental sciences, natural products, green chromatography, and energy.
The opening session will take place in the magnificent University Hall, featuring Dr. Metin Tolan and Dr. Peter Van Broeck with out-of-the-box plenary lectures on molecular physics and a chemical journey through the kitchen. Scientific plenaries will include Caroline West on supercritical fluids in multidimensional systems, Leon Barron on big data in environmental research, Emma Schymanski on open science and non-target screening, and Hans-Gerd Janssen on innovations and challenges in hyphenated methods. Together, these lectures cover the entire analytical chain, from instrumental innovation to data analysis and future challenges.
A distinctive new element of HTC-19 is its interactive, in-lab-style short courses on May 26, covering 2D-LC, AI-based method development, nano-LC-MS, GC×GC, and capillary electrophoresis. Rather than traditional lectures, these sessions are designed to be practical and workflow-oriented, allowing participants to work directly with experts. Additional interactive discussion sessions will bring together laboratory managers, technical specialists, and researchers to critically assess the state of the art and define priorities for the analytical laboratory of the future.
HTC-19 is equally committed to fostering the next generation of scientists. Early-career researchers are actively integrated into the core program through oral presentations, poster pitches, and flash presentations. Travel grants and poster awards further support young scientists, ensuring that HTC-19 is not only a conference to attend but also a platform to grow.
Beyond the lecture halls, HTC-19 offers a vibrant social program designed to stimulate informal exchange. Participants will enjoy a welcome reception in the historic University Hall, Belgian beer and specialty tastings, a conference dinner at a heritage venue in the Grand Beguinage (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a farewell cocktail. A special “HTC’s Got Talent” session will celebrate creativity in chemistry through quizzes and short “chemistry-tube” presentations. Several prestigious awards will be presented, including the HTC Award and poster awards for the most innovative contributions at the conference.
In an era of virtual meetings, HTC-19 reaffirms the irreplaceable value of in-person scientific exchange: spontaneous discussions, critical questioning, hands-on demonstrations, and meaningful networking between academia, industry, and vendors. Combined with Belgium’s renowned hospitality, cuisine, and beer culture, this creates a collegial yet scientifically rigorous atmosphere that participants consistently describe as both inspiring and memorable.
HTC-19 will be a must-attend event for anyone involved in hyphenated separation techniques, whether a seasoned expert, an industrial innovator, or a young scientist entering the field. Join us in Leuven to exchange ideas, build collaborations, discover the latest technological advances, and help shape the future of separation science.
The 19th International Symposium on Hyphenated Techniques in Chromatography and Separation Technology (HTC-19) will take place from May 26–29, 2026, in Leuven, Belgium. Find out more at: https://htc-19.com/
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