Joe Caruso passed away November 23, 2015 at the age of 75. Prof Caruso had joined the University of Cincinnati in the late 60’s, after a one-year post-doc at the University of Texas Austin and had remained on the faculty since then. He graduated more than 80 graduate students during his tenure. Best known for his work on elemental analysis, his research was centered on metal toxicology and biology. He was a world-renowned expert on HPLC-ICP-MS which he used to conduct pioneering research on metallomics and metal speciation in biological tissues.

I had the pleasure to meet him and his wife Judith in November 2014 and to present him with the EAS award for Outstanding Achievements in the Fields of Analytical Chemistry. Caruso had been nominated for his contributions to atomic spectrometry, atomic mass spectrometry and analytical/physicochemical studies in non-aqueous solvents. He gave a wonderful plenary talk to the EAS audience, in which he recalled the twists and turns of his career, from detecting lead in evaporated milk to measuring residual metals in e-cigarettes smoke, with plenty of funny anecdotes and thoughtful reflections on analytical sciences.  I found it fascinating to hear about the development of instrumental analysis in the 60’s and 70’s and the impact these improved methods of analysis had on public safety. I only knew Joe Caruso by name until then and discovered a warm and caring person who was clearly enjoying himself at the session given in his honor.

Anne-Françoise Aubry