The Alpine Excellence of Analytical Science
Nestled among the majestic Alps and pristine lakes, Switzerland has cultivated a reputation for precision that extends far beyond its famous timepieces and chocolate.
This same commitment to exactitude defines the country's approach to analytical science—the field dedicated to determining what matter is and how much of it exists. In March 2011, Zurich became the epicenter of this precision-focused discipline when it hosted ANAKON 2011, a landmark conference where "German thoroughness meets Swiss precision" 1 .
This gathering of brilliant minds showcased how analytical chemistry serves as the silent sentinel protecting our health, environment, and technological progress. Through groundbreaking research and innovative methodologies, Swiss scientists and their international colleagues demonstrated how analytical chemistry provides the essential tools for understanding our world at the most fundamental level—atom by atom, molecule by molecule.
Research Excellence
World-class laboratories and innovative methodologies
International Collaboration
Bridging scientific communities across borders
Practical Applications
From environmental monitoring to medical diagnostics
The Swiss Analytical Heritage: A Tradition of Precision
1992
Swiss Chemical Society establishes the Analytical Chemistry Section (SACh)
1992-1997
Michael H. Widmer of Ciba-Geigy serves as first president
2000s
Evolution into Division of Analytical Sciences (DAS) with expanded scope
2011
ANAKON conference showcases Swiss leadership in analytical sciences
Interdisciplinary Excellence
Swiss analytical chemists have traditionally operated at the intersection of multiple disciplines:
This interdisciplinary mindset, combined with typically Swiss precision and attention to detail, has produced methodologies renowned for their reliability and accuracy worldwide.
ANAKON 2011: Where Scientific Communities Converged
Conference Details
Date: March 22-25, 2011
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Focus: Analytical Chemistry
Region: DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
Sessions: Separation techniques, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, sensors
Direct Dialogue
Fostering "direct dialogue between scientists" with new scientific content and novel method presentations 3 .
Collaboration Focus
Creating informal spaces for early-career researchers to interact with established leaders .
Industry Bridge
Connecting academic research with industrial applications and practical challenges 4 .
Spotlight on Innovation: Daniel Pröfrock's Award-Winning Research
Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award 2011
Recipient: Dr. Daniel Pröfrock
Prize: €2,500 + Recognition
Presented by: Prof. Detlef Günther
Research: Elemental speciation in environmental and life sciences
Institution: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht
Decoding Ocean Chemistry: The Experiment
Pröfrock's research focused on elemental speciation—identifying and quantifying specific forms of elements rather than just measuring total element concentrations. This distinction is crucial because different species of the same element can exhibit dramatically different biological effects.
For example, chromium III is an essential nutrient for humans, while chromium VI is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
His work addressed the challenge of accurately measuring various chemical forms of elements in complex environmental samples like seawater, which is essential for understanding marine ecosystems .
Methodology Step-by-Step
Elemental Species Detected in Marine Samples
| Element | Species Detected | Environmental Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | As(III), As(V), DMA, MMA | Toxicity, biogeochemical cycling |
| Mercury | Hg(II), CH₃Hg⁺ | Neurotoxicity, bioaccumulation |
| Selenium | Se(IV), Se(VI), SeCys | Essential nutrient, antioxidant |
| Chromium | Cr(III), Cr(VI) | Toxicity, industrial pollution |
The Analytical Toolbox: Key Techniques Showcased at ANAKON 2011
LA-ICP-MS
Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Direct solid material analysis with minimal preparation
MC-ICP-MS
Multi-collector ICP-MS
High-precision isotope ratio measurements
SR-FTIR
Synchrotron Radiation FTIR Microspectroscopy
Chemical analysis at microscale resolution
Field-Flow Fractionation
Separation based on differential migration in flow fields
Essential Research Reagents and Materials
| Reagent/Material | Function | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Certified reference materials | Calibration and quality control | Ensuring accuracy in environmental measurements |
| Enzyme solutions | Species-specific extraction | Preserving metal speciation in biological samples |
| Chelating agents | Selective binding of metal ions | Preconcentration of trace elements |
| Isotopically enriched spikes | Isotope dilution quantification | Improving accuracy in mass spectrometric analysis |
| Polymer membranes | Sample support for bioimaging | Preparing thin sections for LA-ICP-MS |
Application Areas of Analytical Techniques
Beyond the Laboratory: The Broader Implications
Environmental Monitoring
Speciation analysis allows regulators to move beyond simplistic total concentration measurements toward more nuanced assessments that reflect actual environmental risks and bioavailability.
- Better prioritization of remediation efforts
- More effective protection of vulnerable ecosystems
- Targeted pollution prevention strategies
Biomedical Research
The techniques showcased at ANAKON have opened new frontiers in understanding metal metabolism, detecting exposure to toxic elements, and developing metal-based therapeutics.
- Detection of biomarkers at ultra-low concentrations
- Early disease detection capabilities
- Personalized treatment approaches
Industrial Applications
Pharmaceutical companies rely on these analytical methods to ensure product purity and consistency, while materials scientists use them to characterize novel nanomaterials.
- Pharmaceutical quality control
- Materials characterization
- Food safety and authentication
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of ANAKON 2011
More than a decade later, ANAKON 2011 stands as a landmark event that exemplified the vitality and relevance of analytical chemistry in the modern world.
The conference not only showcased technical innovations but also reinforced the collaborative spirit that drives scientific progress. By bringing together researchers from across the DACH region and beyond, it created a fertile ground for exchanging ideas, challenging assumptions, and building the partnerships that would yield future breakthroughs.
The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award recognition for Daniel Pröfrock's work symbolized how the field was evolving—toward more sophisticated speciation analysis, miniaturized systems, and applications that addressed urgent societal needs.
As the ANAKON tradition continues—with future meetings like ANAKON 2025 scheduled in Leipzig 4 —the legacy of the 2011 conference remains evident in the ongoing emphasis on methodological innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact.
In a world facing complex challenges from climate change to pandemics, the analytical science showcased in Zurich continues to provide essential tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and solution-building. The Swiss precision that characterized both the conference organization and the science presented there remains a gold standard for the field—a reminder that in measurement, as in so many things, details matter profoundly.
The story of ANAKON 2011 ultimately reminds us that analytical chemistry, though often invisible to the public, constitutes a fundamental pillar of modern science and technology. Its continued advancement, through forums like ANAKON and the work of researchers like Pröfrock, ensures that we can better understand our world and make more informed decisions about how to protect and sustain it for future generations.