Editorial: Thought leaders in analytical science research

This editorial introduces the special issue Thought Leaders in Analytical Science Research, highlighting eleven contributions that showcase recent advances in analytical methodologies and applications. The featured works span pharmaceutical quality assessment, high-sensitivity proteomics, mass spectrometry innovations, separation science, plasma-based spectrometry, and phytochemical analysis. Complementary reviews and perspectives address wastewater-based epidemiology, microalgae-based phytoremediation, and the role of protein carbamylation in biological regulation. Emerging technologies such as ratiometric sensing, 3D-printed analytical devices, and protein-templated metal nanoclusters demonstrate the creative integration of precision measurement with novel design strategies. Collectively, these studies illustrate how analytical science continues to drive progress in drug safety, disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and instrument development, underscoring its pivotal role in addressing contemporary scientific and societal challenges.