Pittcon: over 75 years of supporting science

In the ever-evolving landscape of analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy, one event has stood the test of time, continually adapting and growing to meet the needs of our scientific community. That event is Pittcon, the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy.

In 2025, we will be holding Pittcon in Boston for the first time in our illustrious history. Why Boston? Boston is the largest biotech hub in the world and offers an ideal ecosystem for commercialisation. Nearly 1,000 biotech companies call Boston home.

As we approach another of these prestigious gatherings, prestigious gathering, it’s worth reflecting on Pittcon’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the future of our field.

For over seven decades, Pittcon has been more than just a conference; it has been a catalyst for innovation, a platform for collaboration and a beacon of scientific progress. But perhaps its most significant contribution lies in its unwavering commitment to science education. Throughout its remarkable journey, Pittcon has never lost sight of its core purpose: to advance scientific knowledge and support those who seek it.

You’re on the right track

Pittcon’s educational impact extends far beyond financial support. The conference itself serves as an unparalleled learning environment for spectroscopists at all stages of their careers. From cutting-edge research presentations to hands-on workshops and seminars, Pittcon offers a diverse array of educational opportunities.

For early-career scientists and students, Pittcon is often their first exposure to the broader scientific community. The networking opportunities, poster sessions, and employment service provides invaluable resources that shape professional trajectories. Many of us – myself included – can trace pivotal moments in our careers back to connections made or insights gained at Pittcon.

Seasoned professionals also find immense value in Pittcon’s educational offerings. In a field as dynamic as ours, continuous learning is not just beneficial – it’s essential. Pittcon’s short courses and technical sessions offer ‘veterans’ the chance to stay abreast of emerging techniques, cross-pollinate ideas with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and even venture into new sub-specialties.

Pittcon’s most distinguished keynote, the Wallace H Coulter Lecture, will be presented by Cato T Laurencin. His lecture, ‘Regenerative engineering: the frontier is here’ will be informative and inspirational to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Where science comes alive!

Pittcon’s exposition floor, with its showcase of the latest analytical instrumentation and technologies, is a living textbook of our field’s rapid advancements. It is an unrivalled opportunity to see cutting-edge products and tools in action. After all, nothing compares to face-to-face, tactile access. Every year, instrument manufacturers, software developers and service providers converge at Pittcon – a place that offers not only groundbreaking demonstrations but also real-time solutions for scientists.

Pittcon 2025 attendees will also have the opportunity to network and unwind at several planned social events around Boston, including the Pittcon Party. This year’s theme, ‘the spirit of our 76th’, is sure to stir everyone’s emotions and imagination.

The #PittconPromise

As we celebrate Pittcon’s educational legacy, we must also recognise that our work is far from done. In fact, in 2024 we introduced the #PittconPromise – a declaration of what you can count on us to do for you year-round:

1. To be your life-long learning partner.
2. To make your experience with us a valuable one.
3. To be ‘always on’ for you and your career.
4. To fund the next generation of scientists while fulfilling your own dreams.

As we gather for Pittcon 2025 in Boston, from 1–5 March 2025, let us remember that we are not just attendees at a conference, but participants in a grand educational endeavor. Every poster we visit, every lecture we attend, every conversation we engage in is an opportunity to listen, learn, and teach. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for those who will follow.

A beacon of scientific progress and education

As beneficiaries of this legacy, it is our responsibility to carry it forward. The time has come for each of us to step up and play an active role in advancing science education. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Mentor the next generation: Reach out to students and early-career professionals. Offer guidance, share your experiences, and provide the support you wish you had when starting out. Even a small investment of your time can have a profound impact on a young scientist’s career.
• Engage with local schools: Partner with K-12 schools in your area. Offer to give guest lectures, host lab tours, or participate in science fairs. Your expertise can inspire the next generation of spectroscopists and analytical chemists.
• Advocate for science education: Use your voice to support increased funding and resources for science education at all levels. Write to your representatives, participate in community meetings, and share the importance of STEM education with your network.
• Contribute to Pittcon’s educational initiatives:  Consider donating to Pittcon’s Science Education Awards or volunteering your time to help organize educational events at the conference. Your contributions can help expand the reach and impact of these vital programs.
• Foster diversity and inclusion: Actively work to make our field more diverse and inclusive. Mentor underrepresented groups, advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace, and support initiatives that promote equity in science education.
• Share your knowledge: Write articles, create online content, or give webinars about your area of expertise. By sharing your knowledge broadly, you contribute to the dissemination of scientific information that Pittcon has long championed.
• Support Open Access: Advocate for and contribute to open access publications and resources. This ensures that cutting-edge research and educational materials are available to students and professionals worldwide, regardless of their institutional affiliations.
• Continuous learning: Commit to your own ongoing education. Attend workshops, take courses, and stay current with the latest developments in our field. By doing so, you not only enhance your own skills but also set an example for others.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Seek out opportunities to work with scientists from other fields. Cross-disciplinary collaboration not only advances science but also creates new educational opportunities and perspectives.
• Participate actively in Pittcon: Engage fully in the conference. Present your work, ask questions, participate in discussions, and provide feedback to organizers. Your active involvement helps shape the educational experience for everyone.

Your legacy of passion and purpose

Pittcon’s historic support of science outreach and education is not just a point of pride – it’s a call to action. It remains clear, Pittcon is helping cultivate the problem-solvers of tomorrow. Let us leave this year’s conference not just with new knowledge and connections, but with a renewed sense of purpose – a sense that we’ve cultivated relationships and collaborated with the best.

The torch of knowledge has been passed to us. It’s our turn to keep it burning bright and to pass it on to the generations that follow. The future is bright indeed, illuminated by the beacon of learning that Pittcon has long represented.