José Pingarrón, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Biography

José M. Pingarrón has been a full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, since 1994. His research interests focus on analytical electrochemistry, nanostructured electrochemical interfaces and electrochemical and piezoelectric sensors and biosensors. Professor Pingarrón is a member of The Analyst Editorial Board.

What do you think publishing in The Analyst offers Spanish authors?

The Analyst is a high quality journal with an increasing impact factor. The current (2006) impact factor calculated by ISI^® is 3.198, cementing The Analyst's position as the top European journal for Analytical Science. Spanish authors are also attracted to the short publication times offered by the journal.

Where do you see the area of electrochemistry progressing in Spain over the next 10 years?

A continuous shift to bioanalysis and nanoscience is foreseen for Spanish analytical electrochemists in the next few years. New, good groups are working in this area and are starting to emerge in Spain.

In the UK the number of students applying for physical science degrees has been dropping in recent years. Is the situation the same in Spain?

In general, yes. However, the situation is slightly different in chemistry with respect to other experimental science degrees. Chemistry departments are still in a prominent situation compared to other scientific disciplines. However, the number of students with a clear vocation for chemistry is notably lower than 10 years ago.

Tell us about your current research and why you chose to research these areas.

My current work is related to nanostructured electrochemical biosensors, including enzyme biosensors, immunosensors and DNA biosensors. Also of interest are piezoelectric and SPR-based biosensors. The key applications I am currently studying are pathogen detection in food and the monitoring of quality parameters in foodstuffs. The choice of these areas is a logical continuation of more than 25 years' working in electroanalysis.

When not pursing activities in the scientific community, what other pastimes do you enjoy?

In my spare time I can be found listening to music, reading and watching football.

Did you always have a passion for analytical science from a young age?

Actually no. I decided to get involved in analytical chemistry after evaluating other fields of chemistry such as organic chemistry or physical chemistry, and seeing a real need for the inter-related field of analytical science.

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