Highlights of Analytical Sciences in Switzerland: Columns edited by Veronika R. Meyer 2005 - 2025

CHIMIA’s Highlights of Analytical Sciences in Switzerland are a success story, showcasing the excellent research that has been and is carried out in Switzerland in this field.

Thanks to Veronika Meyer, who has been the editor of this column for the last 20 years since it was initiated back in 2005. Veronika is a passionate, recognized analytical chemist (honored as IUPACs Distinguished Woman in Chemistry) and mountaineer (climbing Qomolangma), she was always seeking new heights. Being a trained chemical analytical scientist with a distinct scientific record, she was able to identify and select important reports on cutting-edge research in analytical chemistry in Switzerland.

She then convinced the authors to prepare a one-page roundup for the readers of CHIMIA. These snippets not only had an impact in dissemination of the research, but also on the initiation of collaborations across different research groups and disciplines, which is perfectly illustrated by more than 200 citations they received. In total the columns she edited were authored by almost 700 scientists from Swiss institutions and international teams.

The columns span across a broad range including fundamental research and the use of analytical methods applied in the laboratory. Almost every technique used in the routine analytical chemical lab and specialized research centers has been covered at least once. This topical breadth in particular highlights her openness to the field and her advanced analytical views and interests.

As the editor of the Highlights, she has now met her target number of 200 contributions, the last of them was published earlier in 2025. We thank her for all her hard work over the years and setting the baseline for others to follow. Here you can enjoy the 200 columns that she edited for CHIMIA.

Veronika Meyer, the former editor of the "Highlights of Analytical Sciences in Switzerland" receives the unique printed version of all her 200 highlights from her successor Bodo Hattendorf. The ceremony took place during the board meeting of the Division of Analytical Sciences of the Swiss Chemical Society on December 2nd 2025. The board once more expresses its gratitude for initiating and maintaining the "Highlights" over the past 20 years.