Dr. Bob W.J. Pirok, associate professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam and one of the principal investigators of CAST, has been named the winner of the 2026 LCGC International Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award.
The LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award recognizes the achievements and future promise of an early-career separation scientist who has made significant contributions to the advancement of chromatographic techniques or applications. The 2026 awardees were announced by LCGC International, with Jack Henion receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Bob Pirok receiving the Emerging Leader Award.
The award will be presented during Pittcon 2026, held from March 7–11 in San Antonio, Texas.
Recognition for automated and intelligent separation science
In the announcement, LCGC highlights Pirok’s work in comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography, automated method development, retention modelling, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence. These themes are central to the research of the Pirok group within CAST, where advanced separation science is combined with computational strategies to make complex analytical workflows more robust, efficient, and accessible.
A major focus of this work is the development of automated and self-driving approaches for chromatographic method development. Within CAST, this includes the AutoLC research line, in which chromatographic expertise, chemometric modelling, and machine learning are combined to guide instruments toward better separations with fewer experiments.
A team achievement
Pirok emphasized that the award reflects the contributions of many colleagues, students, collaborators, and industrial partners.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from LCGC. The work highlighted by this award is very much a team effort. It builds on the creativity and dedication of many PhD candidates, MSc students, postdocs, colleagues, and collaborators who have helped shape our research on automated and intelligent separation science. I am especially grateful to the CAST team and to our academic and industrial partners for making this journey possible.”
The award follows a series of recent milestones for the group, including the continued development of AutoLC, the expansion of AI-driven approaches in chromatography, and the launch of new educational activities in separation science.
