18^th World Analytical Chemistry & Mass Spectrometry

Academia has always used analytical techniques to characterize, test and further promote the outcome of their respective research. Industry, on the other hand, has primarily utilized analytical science as a forensic tool to help solve product and/or process issues. Each endeavor has merit and definitely is needed, especially in their respective genre. Each physical laboratory is constructed with these types of needs in mind. The Academic laboratory usually contains the equipment required to perform these analytical functions, since it is so central to their project work. Whereas, most industrial laboratories have a completely separated analytical department/lab area due to the fact that their major function is in support of the sales and/or manufacturing arm of the company. These two endeavors need to be better aligned, such that industry can learn from Academia the importance of analytical sciences to build robust formulations/products during the development phase in order to eliminate the potential for problems after product launch. This will also allow for the building of a better understanding of the structure/ property relationship.