Analytical science – a complex and diverse union

Analytical science – a complex and diverse union

There are many names given to collectively describe the fields of science in which most readers of this journal practice. Of course there is ‘Analytical Science’, my own personal preference, but there are those amongst us who prefer the somewhat simpler term ‘Measurement Science’, or those more technically engaged who perhaps favour the term ‘Metrology’ to describe their particular activity. Many would actually prefer to be more specific, and choose to sub-categorise the above, either through traditional academic type descriptors, i.e. ‘Analytical Biochemistry’, or ‘Chemical Metrology’, or through vocational/industrial focused titles, such as ‘Forensic Science’ or ‘Process Analytical Technology’. In the end, the fact that we are all reading this short editorial tells us we are working within a science that has wide and varied application, but which can also be endlessly sub-divided into an extraordinarily large number of specific components.

One of the joys of working within this particular field of science is the realisation of its scale, diversity and societal importance. We often hear the terms ‘underpinning’ or ‘enabling technology’ used to describe much of what we do. However, these terms, which unintentionally give Analytical Science a somewhat second division label, fail to do justice to the often trailblazing nature of analytical-based discovery and the subsequent application of technologies which can open up whole new fields of science. For many years these labels have hindered research and development in our chosen discipline, as funding bodies and supporting agencies have targeted what they are told are the true cutting edge or emerging technologies. These large blackboards selling ‘today's specials’ often distract us from reading the full menu, with all its hidden gems. Therefore, it is now time for the analytical community to pull together and to realise its collective strength and significance. Avoidance of pigeonholing ourselves into sub-disciplines of sub-disciplines is a start, and a greater realisation that our collective critical mass is such that policy makers, funding agencies, and decision makers can no longer view us other than ‘first division’ scientists (or the familiar ‘Premiership’ to our UK based readers!).

Analytical Methods was established to give a new voice to those of us working on the development and application of new analytical technology. The diversity of submissions, in terms of subject matter, illustrates the scale of activity taking place among us. The quality of work reported, indicates that collectively we are making a huge difference to society. Analytical Scientists are (perhaps more than any other scientific group) well accustomed to working within a multi-disciplinary environment and acknowledging the benefits to scientific discovery that such an environment conveys. So Analytical Methods will remain true to this ethos, supporting the unofficial ‘Union of Analytical Scientists’, and continuing to publish cutting edge papers that report the development and first demonstration of new analytical technology.

Wishing all our readers our very best wishes for 2012.

 Brett Paull

 Editor-in-Chief

 Analytical Methods

Plate1 Brett Paull Editor-in-Chief, Analytical Methods

 

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We continue to provide expert, interdisciplinary chemical science books: over 100 new print titles are planned for 2012 alongside the launch of several new series including:

• Food and Nutritional Components in Focus

• New Developments in Mass Spectrometry

• New Developments in NMR

• RSC Smart Materials

Our ability to deliver fast, accurate information to our customers was rewarded by the BIC Basic Award, an accolade held by few publishers. www.rsc.org/books

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RSC conferences and events 2012

The RSC organises a broad range of conferences and events to promote the advancement of the chemical sciences. Please visit the website for the most up to date listing: www.rsc.org/events

The major scientific meetings planned for 2012 include:

 Analytical Research Forum 2012

 2–4 July 2012, Durham, UK

 www.rsc.org/ARF12

 Challenges in Nanoscience (ISACS9)

 31 August–3 September 2012, Xiamen, China

 www.rsc.org/isacs9

And finally…

We wish you a very happy and successful 2012 and look forward to your continued support of Analytical Methods. To submit your article, visit our website www.rsc.org/methods. Your comments and suggestions for the journal are very welcome at any time, please do contact us at http://methods-RSC@rsc.org.

 Dr May Copsey

 Managing Editor

 Analytical Methods

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