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ANALYSIS 2000 | 
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(The complete text is available in German and French)
Analytical chemistry stepped out of the boundaries of conventional chemistry and contributes today - without much attention from the public - substantially to our well being and quality of life. Recent developments of biology and medicine towards molecular sciences, of material and earth sciences and others require the use of analytical chemistry in areas seemingly foreign to chemistry. Analytical chemistry participates in the production of chemical, metallurgical and pharmaceutical products, household goods, food, diagnostic products in health care and environmental protection. As an important part of quality assurance, compositon and purity of products, as well as traces of impurities and toxic substances are monitored by analysis. Analytical data of our ambient air and its components are published daily in our newspapers.
Analysis is an essential element of rational research and action in all areas of science, technology and public life.
The benefits and importance of analysis in industrial research and development, in production and quality assurance contrasts with its subordinate status in academic education and research, partly due to inadequate analytical curricula. The analytical education of scientists and technologists does not meet practical demands. One strong indication is the unsatisfactory quality of analytical results supplied by renowned laboratories in international proficiency tests. The supply of analysts is inadequate.
The Division of Analytical Chemistry (DAC) of the Swiss Chemical Society (SCG) has already publicized its concern about this alarming situation. The present position paper offers facts and figures as arguments for corrective actions by educational authorities and universities. Adequate corrective measures strengthening analytical chemistry will support the Swiss economy as well as health services and environmental protection. Fast and lasting effects are expected due to increased efficiency of research and development and technological innovation.
Content:
Executive Summary
- In
industrial nations a few percent of the gross national product are
being spent on analytical measurements. In Switzerland this amounts to
a few billion Swiss francs annually.
- Analysis
contributes significantly to the success of the entire economy, to
health services and environmental protection. It acts as a gauge of
innovation, as process and quality control and as a monitor in health
protection. Efficiency and speed in acquisition of reliable analytical
data contribute to competitiveness.
- Analysis
is a fundamental element of the cognitive capacity of R and D in all
areas of science and economy and contributes decisively to the
competence of the innovation process. Past and present successes in
Switzerland and the competence to adapt and further develop methods
according to new requirements and scientific questions are based on
traditional analytical training of earlier days.
- The
importance of analysis is increasing. The fastest innovating branches
of science and technology rely on most advanced analytical developments
and the expertise of analysts. The cost effectiveness and speed of R +
D are positively influenced by high quality of analysis..
- About 20
% of all chemists are working as analysts, an additional 50 % of the
chemists as well as scientists and technologists in other fields are
working analytically or relying on analytical results.
- Today the
analytical education in universities does not correspond to its
importance for science, commerce and industry. The analytical education
is generally understaffed and underfinanced.
- All areas
of the natural sciences and technologies, especially the life sciences,
material sciences etc. are affected by this alarming situation. Withoud
rapid corrective measures that strengthen the analytical education, the
strong position of the Swiss chemistry is going to be lost. Without
profound and innovative analytical competence the position of Swiss R +
D is endangered.
Recommendations for Action
-
Analytical science must become or be kept as an essential part of every
faculty of natural sciences.
- Each
faculty of natural sciences or chemistry department must possess
analytical chairs. Analytical chairs and their teaching staff must be
strengthened.
- The
analytical instrumentation used for teaching and research must be
state-of-the-art.
- It is
recommended that analytical know how be concentrated in
multidisciplinary centers of excellence in analytical science.
- The
analytical part of the chemical or natural science curricula must be
extended and consolidated as analytical science curriculum. Thesis work
should routinely be supported by analytical education.
- Support
of analytical sciences in all areas of research should be improved by
- formation of analytical research programs at the national level
- enhancing the status of analytical science in the framework of the Swiss National Foundation (SNF)
- formation of analytical research programs at the national level