The winner of the fourth European Award for Plasma Spectrochemistry was Dr Annemie Bogaerts, professor of physical chemistry at the University of Antwerp.
The Plasma Prize, donated by Agilent Technologies, is awarded every two years to promote analytical plasma spectrochemical developments and applications in Europe.
The prize is awarded for either a single outstanding piece of work or for continued important contributions in this field.
This year's prize recognises the work of Dr Bogaerts on modelling the mechanisms of laser ablation of solid samples followed by analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or optical emission spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-OES).
These working models for understanding complex processes are proving very useful to fellow researchers.
'We've been developing computer models for analytical plasmas and laser ablation for quite a few years to assist experimental developments and improve analytical applications,' said Dr Bogaerts.
'I consider this award as recognition of our work by the analytical community.' Dr Bogaerts will receive the award at the European Winter Plasma Conference on 15 February 2009 in Graz, Austria, where she will also be invited to present a lecture.
The 2009 award panel consisted of Prof Kevin Francesconi, Dr Maria Betti, Prof Jean-Michel Mermet, Prof Dr Klaus Heumann and Dr Kenichi Sakata of Agilent.
