Honoring Professor Tormod Næs—A Pillar of Chemometrics

Abstract

It is both a privilege and a personal honor to introduce this special issue of the Journal of Chemometrics, dedicated to celebrating the career of Professor Tormod Næs. As a mentor, colleague, and friend, Tormod has been a guiding light throughout my scientific journey from my earliest days as a PhD student under his supervision to our many years of working together at Nofima.

Tormod's contributions to the field of chemometrics are both foundational and far-reaching. His ability to bridge rigorous statistical theory with practical application is a defining feature of his work and a testament to his rare combination of intellectual depth and scientific intuition.

His early work in multivariate calibration, particularly in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, laid the groundwork for numerous applications in food science, process modeling, and sensory analysis. His 1992 book Multivariate Calibration, co-authored with Prof. Harald Martens, remains a seminal reference. It is cited nearly 9000 times, and it continues to serve as an accessible introduction to chemometrics for both students and practitioners.

Equally pioneering was his work in sensometrics, where he developed methods to understand individual differences in sensory and consumer data, an area that has become increasingly important in this field. Tools like PanelCheck and ConsumerCheck, which he helped develop, have empowered practitioners and researchers to apply complex statistical methods with ease and confidence.

My main area of collaboration with Tormod has been in multiblock modelling. His theoretical innovations in this field include methods such as SO-PLS and ROSA, in the context of prediction, interpretation, and path modelling. The methods have been widely adopted and further developed by researchers around the world and have numerous applications in process modeling, spectroscopy, sensometrics, -omics and beyond. Tormod's work in this area has opened new avenues for data fusion and interpretation across a broad range of scientific domains.

Tormod's scholarly achievements include over 250 peer-reviewed articles, 7 books, and more than 28,000 citations. Beyond these impressive numbers, the most important part of his legacy is, in my view, the community he has nurtured. He has supervised 25 PhD students and mentored countless others, always prioritizing their development. Tormod is known for his remarkable ability to encourage young scientists and consistently push them forward. His constructive, thorough, and insightful feedback is always delivered with kindness. His mentorship has shaped not only the scientific work but also the confidence and careers of many young researchers.

Tormod's international collaborations have enriched the field globally. His affiliations with institutions such as the University of Oslo and the University of Copenhagen, along with long-standing partnerships across Europe, the United States and South Africa, reflect both his broad impact and the high regard in which he is held worldwide.

As Tormod steps into retirement, his influence continues through the tools we use, the methods we teach, and the questions we ask. This special issue brings together contributions from colleagues, collaborators, and former students who have been influenced by Tormod's work and character. It is a tribute not only to his scientific achievements but to the scientific spirit, generosity, and collegiality that he embodies.

On behalf of all who have had the privilege of working with Tormod, thank you for your tireless contributions, your mentorship, and your friendship. We celebrate not just your remarkable career but also the person behind it, a true pillar of chemometrics.