Janusz Pawliszyn takes home the 2019 Talanta Medal

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Janusz Pawliszyn
Waterloo chemist Janusz Pawliszyn was awarded the 2019 Talanta Medal for his numerous contributions to analytical chemistry and for his pioneering work in solid phase microextraction (SPME).

In an interview with Talanta announcing the award, Pawliszyn declared his aim has always been to develop green analytical tools. He promotes SPME not only as a better performing alternative to current environmental monitoring techniques, it’s also an example of green chemistry. SPME can analyze samples on-site, cost-effectively, and without the use of polluting solvents or expensive labs. SPME is also versatile, with human health applications in cancer detection and drug screening.

“This area has been my focus and I am very happy that it is slowly getting more recognition. Particularly by the younger generation. It is not just me who has received this award but also the field was recognized,” said Pawliszyn, a University Professor and Canada Research Chair in New Analytical Methods and Technologies.

The Talanta Medal is sponsored by the journal Talanta: The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry, published by Elsevier.

Congratulations, Professor Pawliszyn!