Analytical techniques were crucial to the genesis of chemistry as a field, and today they continue to be essential in driving advances not only in the understanding of chemistry, but throughout all scientific disciplines. Despite this continued importance, analytical chemistry is suffering from an identity crisis. Though still the most common field of employment for chemistry graduates in industry (1), analytical chemistry in academia is losing impact and funding, and the field is poorly represented amongst top research institutions.

One of the reasons for this is that modern analytical chemists take many guises. Analytical chemistry departments are well-stocked with those engaged in forensic analysis, or electrochemical studies, but there are many others who would not label themselves as analytical chemists, yet engage in the development and application of analytical chemistry. Though analytical chemistry itself remains best placed to address many contemporary challenges – from environmental changes to the study of disease – it is important that all researchers involved in the field work see that powerful analytical tools are developed and used to greatest effect.