Bob Pirok

Bob W.J. Pirok obtained his PhD in analytical chemistry at the University of Amsterdam in 2019, defending his thesis cum laude. He is currently Associate Professor in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam and Visiting Research Professor at Gustavus Adolphus College (USA). His research focuses on the application of chemometrics and machine learning to the automation and optimization of chromatography–MS hyphenated systems, with particular emphasis on self-driving method development in 1D and 2D-LC. Pirok has played a leading role in advancing closed-loop, data-driven approaches for chromatographic method development, including the AutoLC framework for automated LC and LC×LC optimization. This research line, aimed at improving accessibility, robustness, and efficiency of advanced separation technology through machine learning, was recognized with the HTC Innovation Award (2024). This year, he will receive the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award at PITTCON. Together with Peter Schoenmakers, Bob Pirok recently co-authored the textbook Analytical Separation Science, launched in 2025. In addition to his research activities, he coordinates the Analytical Sciences track of the joint UvA-VU MSc Chemistry program, and has supervised a large number of MSc and PhD projects at the interface of separation science, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence.