Bunsen-Kirchhoff Prize 2026 awarded at analytica

c/o Analytik Jena

At the analytica conference, the renowned Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award for Analytical Spectroscopy was presented on March 26, 2026. Analytik Jena is pleased to support this long-standing, internationally esteemed award again this year as a sponsor and to promote the laureate with a prize money of 3,000 euros.

The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award is awarded by the German Working Group for Analytical Spectroscopy (DAAS) of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and recognizes outstanding scientific achievements in the field of analytical spectroscopy. It is one of the most important recognitions for excellent research in this field and is a central component in promoting young scientists in the advanced stages of their careers.

Prof. Dr. David Clases receives the Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award 2026

This year, the award goes to Prof. Dr. David Clases, University of Graz. He has distinguished himself with his work in the field of Element Mass Spectrometry, particularly ICP-TOF-MS (inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry).

Prof. Dr. Clases is internationally regarded as one of the most innovative young researchers in analytical spectroscopy. His research at the interface of ICP-MS, nanostructure analysis, and hybrid measurement methods has gained significant global attention in recent years.

His groundbreaking contributions include, among others:
- Further development of high-resolution ICP-TOF-MS, enabling the simultaneous, rapid, and highly accurate analysis of complex particle systems.
- Multimodal approaches that combine ICP-MS with complementary methods such as optical trapping or Raman spectroscopy – a crucial step toward capturing both elemental and molecular information in a single measurement.
- Significant advances in particle characterization, relevant for environmental analysis, materials research, and biomedical questions.

With more than 70 publications, numerous international awards – including the JAAS Emerging Investigator Lectureship 2025 – and a highly visible presence in scientific committees and conferences, Prof. Dr. Clases is considered a “Rising Star” in spectroscopy.

Judging Committee’s Statement

The DAAS judging panel, composed of representatives from universities, research institutes, and industry, sees a particularly high scientific and technological added value in Prof. Dr. Clases’s work. His research significantly contributes to further developing ICP-TOF-MS technology – a technology that, thanks to its multi-element capability and coupling options, is regarded as a key technology for future laboratory analysis.

Opinions from the Scientific Community

Prof. Dr. Carsten Engelhard, Chairman of DAAS and chair of the Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award jury, emphasizes the importance of the award:

“The Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award has a long tradition and is highly regarded both nationally and internationally. It recognizes exceptional scientific achievements in analytical chemistry, from optical spectroscopy to mass spectrometric analysis. The work of Prof. Dr. Clases is outstanding in its scientific depth and practical relevance and possesses high transfer potential for industry, environmental, and materials analysis.”

Analytik Jena once again as a supporter of scientific excellence

Analytik Jena is proud to have supported the Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award for many years and to contribute to promoting innovative analytical research.

“The scientific insights recognized by this award shape the further development of analytical methods worldwide. As a technology provider, we see it as our responsibility to make cutting-edge research visible and to support young scientists,” said Oliver Klaeffling, Managing Director of Analytik Jena GmbH+Co. KG.

About the Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award

The award is presented every two years and targets outstanding researchers in the field of analytical spectroscopy. It traces back to a decades-long tradition within the GDCh Working Group for Analytical Chemistry and was first awarded in 1990. The ceremony takes place during the analytica conference in Munich.