The 5th workshop on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) inter-comparison on Phytoplankton Pigments (HIP)

The 5th Workshop on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Inter-comparison on Phytoplankton Pigments (HIP), 5WS-HIP, organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), was held on December 3-4, 2024, in Ispra, Italy. This hybrid event continued the tradition of fostering advancements in phytoplankton pigment analysis methods to support environmental monitoring and validate satellite-derived marine data products. The workshop brought together international experts to discuss the latest results from the HIP-8 inter-comparison, enhance methodological consistency, and expand collaborative networks. Phytoplankton pigments, such as chlorophyll, are vital indicators of marine ecosystem health and play a crucial role in monitoring biodiversity and climate change impacts. The workshop's discussions focused on reducing inter-laboratory variability, advancing fiducial reference methods for in situ data, and supporting the Copernicus Programme's satellite validation efforts. Key objectives included reviewing HIP-8 results, strengthening the integration of in situ and remote sensing data, and fostering collaboration among laboratories. The outcomes of the 5WS-HIP support EU policy initiatives, including the European Green Deal, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Future directions emphasize refining pigment analysis methodologies, exploring diverse ecosystems, and incorporating advanced statistical approaches. Enhanced logistics, such as improved dry ice shipping for natural samples, were identified as critical for efficient inter-laboratory collaboration. The workshop's findings are pivotal for improving monitoring capabilities, protecting marine and inland ecosystems, and informing evidence-based environmental policies.