http://www.theanalyticalscientist.com

Editorial

F

or our 2018 Power List, we return to our celebration

of the rising stars of analytical science. Starting

on page 16, you can read the Fab 40’s stories in

their own words – and what amazing, inspiring

stories they are! Between them they have won major awards,

published groundbreaking papers and developed cutting-edge

tools – all before the age of 40. So how have they achieved

these impressive feats? Are they, like Hollywood actor Mark

Wahlberg, adhering to a punishing schedule of 2:30am

wakeups and cryo chamber sessions to boost their productivity?

When asked for the secret of their success the most common

reply was simple: do something that you love, and pursue it

with passion.

The answer will come as no surprise to our readers. One

of my own great pleasures as an editor is speaking to people

who are so passionate about their work. Of course, not every

working day is unalloyed joy – many of our Top 40 Under 40

make reference to the inevitable setbacks and disappointments

to be found in a career in science. As Matthew Lockett wryly

notes, sometimes you have to “love science, even when it does

not love you back.”

Nevertheless, for these early career scientists, (sometimes

unrequited) passion for their field propels them onwards. Gary

Patti hits the nail on the head on page 28: “I think obsessed

is a good word. It’s the feeling of getting halfway through a

jigsaw puzzle and then having to stop. There’s an irresistible

urge to find that missing piece.”

As well as passion, curiosity and sheer hard work, success as

a young (or old) scientist relies heavily on the support of others.

As epigenomic explorer Benjamin Garcia says on page 51, “To

become independent and rigorous scientists with the vision to

ask and answer important questions, we must be trained and

mentored, supported and encouraged.” Garcia is now himself

a mentor to many – indeed, he says, “When I look back on my

career, I will judge myself on the impact I have had on others.”

Which brings me to a closing point: as well as congratulating

the fantastic 40 themselves, I’d also like to thank their

nominators. We, and they, appreciate your efforts to support

the next generation of analytical scientists.

Charlotte Barker

Editor

Passion, Dedication, Support

Welcome to the Top 40 Under 40 Power List!