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Analytical science Infectious Disease Liquid biopsy Screening and monitoring

Spectroscopy in the Clinic: Ten Years On

As CLIRSPEC turns ten, co-founder Peter Gardner assesses the progress made – and the work still needed to bring spectroscopy to patients

By James Strachan 10/15/2025 Interview 7 min read

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The International Society for Clinical Spectroscopy (CLIRSPEC) celebrates its 10th anniversary by reflecting on advancements in clinical spectroscopy, such as quantum cascade laser imaging and AI integration in spectral pathology. Key improvements include liquid biopsy diagnostics and intraoperative tumor margin detection. However, the field faces challenges like demonstrating clinical utility, adapting to hospital workflows, and securing funding for validation. Insights from Peter Gardner highlight the importance of combining technology advances and data analysis in clinical applications.

About the Author(s)

James Strachan

Over the course of my Biomedical Sciences degree it dawned on me that my goal of becoming a scientist didn’t quite mesh with my lack of affinity for lab work. Thinking on my decision to pursue biology rather than English at age 15 – despite an aptitude for the latter – I realized that science writing was a way to combine what I loved with what I was good at.

From there I set out to gather as much freelancing experience as I could, spending 2 years developing scientific content for International Innovation, before completing an MSc in Science Communication. After gaining invaluable experience in supporting the communications efforts of CERN and IN-PART, I joined Texere – where I am focused on producing consistently engaging, cutting-edge and innovative content for our specialist audiences around the world.

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