Chemometrics is an established field of research since 40 years, with applications in many fields of science. Broadly speaking, it is using statistical and numerical tricks in chemistry. Under that umbrella, however, the focus has shifted and drifted over the years. Rooted in analytical chemistry – Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy was once considered chemometrics - it is now looking into bio-informatics and the different “omics” fields.

So what is chemometrics today and what may we expect of it?

Professors Lutgarde Buydens (Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands) and Michal Daszykowski (Silesian University, Katowice, Poland) will have a go at answering this question. Both speakers have a long experience in applying chemometrics to real world problems, and both have worked at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in the chemometrics group founded by Prof D.L. Massart, to whom the second part of this afternoon will be dedicated.

Unlike our usual workshops, that zoom in on a particular technique for chemometrics enthusiasts, this workshop is aimed at giving a birds-eye view of the field to a general audience of researchers from different fields.

This workshop serves as the opening of the official inauguration of the Prof D.L. Massart aula, and will be followed by presentations dedicated to his memory.

The program:

13h30 – 14h00 Welcome Coffee

14h00 – 14h50 Presentation by Lutgarde Buydens

14h50 – 15h40 Presentation by Michal Daszykowski

15h40 – 16h00 Coffee Break

16h00 – 16h15 Introduction by rector and/or dean

16h15 – 16h45 Memories of Michele Forina

16h45 – 17h15 Memories of Bernard Vandeginste

17h15 Reception