Al Yergey MS Scientist Award

Dr. Vilmos Kertesz is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. Since joining Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2000, Dr. Kertesz has demonstrated exceptional scientific leadership and innovation. His early work on enhancing electrospray ionization (ESI) significantly advanced the sensitivity and selectivity of solution-phase analyses.

He later pioneered transformative surface sampling and chemical imaging techniques—including flowprobe and laser ablation imaging—that have become essential tools in tissue imaging for drug discovery and development. Dr. Kertesz also co-developed and successfully commercialized groundbreaking liquid extraction technologies, such as LESA and dropletProbe, now widely adopted in research laboratories around the world.

A prolific inventor and innovator, Dr. Kertesz holds 21 patents, 9 software copyrights, and has authored 111 peer-reviewed publications. His ability to bridge scientific insight with practical application has resulted in five commercially available technologies, demonstrating his commitment to impactful, real-world solutions.

Dr. Kertesz exemplifies scientific excellence, creativity, and dedication, and his work continues to shape the future of mass spectrometry.

Michael Shortreed, Distinguished Scientist in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has made outstanding contributions to both research and mentoring throughout his career.

With 83 publications to date, Dr. Shortreed continues to lead innovative, cutting-edge research as a highly creative and forward-thinking scientist. His work has significantly advanced the field of proteomics, particularly through the development of computational methods that have been implemented in widely used open-source software tools.

These tools—collectively known as MetaMorpheus (including FlashLFQ, O-Pair, and others)—are now utilized by hundreds of laboratories worldwide. The software suite has made a major impact on the field, enabling novel biological applications and transformative data analysis strategies in proteomics.

John E. P. Syka (Thermo Fisher Scientific) has been at the forefront of advancing mass spectrometry for over 43 years. He is the author of more than 45 peer-reviewed publications and holds over 35 U.S. patents. His innovation, curiosity, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to excellence are reflected in many transformative MS technologies—including the development and commercialization of ion trap mass spectrometers (e.g., the 2D quadrupole linear ion trap), hybrid instruments (such as the LTQ-FT), and groundbreaking ion activation methods like Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD).

Beyond his technical achievements, John has made a lasting impact as a mentor and educator, guiding generations of academic students, postdoctoral fellows, and industrial colleagues. John is also deeply committed to the ASMS community—chairing oral sessions, sparking meaningful discussions at posters and workshops, and engaging in numerous productive collaborations.