What has analytical chemistry ever done for us...?

Ever wondered how famous artists like Rembrandt created their masterpieces? Or what happens to microbes when they're left to grow in Space? Maybe you've wondered how the useful bits of Scorpion venom (used to make new medicines) are separated from the rest of the venom? Or how different techniques can be used to screen contaminated clothing from crime scenes?

As an archaeometrist, I often use chemistry based analytical techniques to study archaeo-materials, but I don't often stop to think about all the other potential applications of analytical chemistry. Yesterday, I had the chance to attend the Analytical Research Forum, a one-day symposium hosted by the Analytical Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry. The event was held in the ornate surroundings of Burlington House in London, and around 100 people were there. We were a real mix of students, post-docs, professors, and industry specialists, working on a wide range of projects. There were posters, flash presentations, and oral talks spread throughout the day illustrating how varied analytical chemistry and its applications are.

There were so many interesting presentations, it was almost information overload at times. For me, I loved listening to the heritage talks, learning all about how chemistry can be used to study and conserve historic artefacts. Some really memorable, non-heritage, moments in the day included the flash presentation featuring The Flash (Ryan Kane), and the NASA scientist (Tony Ricco) explaining the development of some of the miniaturised bio/analytical instruments sent into space. Did you know there hasn't been a deep-space bio-based mission since the 1970s, and the longest time a human has spent in deep-space is 12.5 days? There was a hilarious talk 'How to Cartoon Science' by Matthew Partridge, and thanks to his cartooning of the rest of the presentations throughout the day, I will never forget that Ryan Thompson's presentation was about detecting mouse farts in a phone booth! It was really about detecting bacteriologically produced hydrogen sulphide with a really sensitive instrument, but now all I can think about are cartoon fart clouds (sorry Ryan).

I met so many amazing people and had a fantastic day. I also had the chance to present my own work, and of course, I spoke about my time analysing ceramics in the Caribbean. I was very nervous about presenting in front of nearly 100 chemists, but it all went smoothly. And I'm thrilled to say that I was awarded the prize for best oral presentation.

I was gobsmacked when my name was announced and it's only really today that the news has started to sink in. So, I would like to say a huge thank you to the Analytical Division Scientific Committee for giving me this award. I feel truly honoured to have been chosen.

And last, but not least, the talented Matthew also cartooned my talk (click here to check it out).