Research news
The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award for Analytical Spectroscopy 2026 was presented at analytica 2026 on 26 March, recognising outstanding contributions to analytical spectroscopy.
This year’s award was given to Professor Dr David Clases of the University of Graz for his work in elemental mass spectrometry, particularly ICP-TOF-MS (inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry).
His research focuses on high-resolution ICP-TOF-MS for rapid and accurate analysis of complex particle systems, alongside multimodal approaches combining mass spectrometry with techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and optical trapping. His work has applications in environmental science, materials research and biomedical analysis.
Professor Dr Clases has published more than 70 papers and received several international honours, including the JAAS Emerging Investigator Lectureship 2025.
Professor Dr Carsten Engelhard, Chair of the DAAS jury, said:
“The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award has a long tradition and is highly regarded nationally and internationally. It recognises exceptional scientific achievements in analytical chemistry, from optical spectroscopy to mass spectrometric analysis. The work of Professor Dr Clases is outstanding in its scientific depth and practical relevance and has high transfer potential for industrial, environmental and materials analytics.”
Analytik Jena has supported the award for many years, contributing prize money and promoting scientific excellence in analytical research.
Oliver Klaeffling, Managing Director of Analytik Jena GmbH + Co. KG, added:
“The scientific insights recognised by this award shape the global development of analytical methods. As a technology provider, we see it as our responsibility to make cutting-edge research visible and to support young scientists.”
The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award is presented every two years by the German Working Group for Analytical Spectroscopy (DAAS) of the German Chemical Society (GDCh).
More information online
ILM Guide 2026/27
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