Organic Chemistry

IKCOC-16 brings academic and industrial chemists and engineers together to examine advances in organic chemistry and related disciplines. The scientific programme connects improved efficiency in organic synthesis with the synthesis of materials and applications in the life sciences. Plenary, invited and contributed lectures, poster discussions and the IKCOC Prize lecture provide forums for comparing research approaches and exchanging findings. Confirmed participants include prize recipient Eric N. Jacobsen, Erick M. Carreira and Hiroaki Suga. The conference takes place in person at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto on 16–19 November 2026. Times are Japan Standard Time (Asia/Tokyo, UTC+9). Registration is 14:00–16:00 on 16 November, followed by the opening ceremony at 16:00 and opening lecture at 16:45. Scientific sessions run 09:00–16:40 on 17 and 18 November, with posters 16:40–18:40. On 19 November, sessions run 09:00–16:00 and closing remarks finish at 16:15. Lectures and formal discussions are in English. Online registration closes at 23:59 JST on 31 October. Standard fees are JPY 60,000 for active participants and JPY 25,000 for students, who must provide valid student identification. The banquet is extra. Registrations are currently non-refundable.

Sijbren Otto explores how features associated with life can arise from initially lifeless chemical components. The systems couple reversible oligomerization of comparatively simple molecular building blocks with self-assembly. Their behavior includes the spontaneous appearance of self-replicating molecules, catalytic activity extending beyond autocatalysis, and the breaking of chiral symmetry. These observations connect the emergence of molecular replication and catalysis with the origins of biological handedness.

Donna Blackmond discusses why biological molecules favour a single handedness and how that asymmetry might have emerged. The homochirality discussion begins at 6:18. The episode also covers antiparasitic medicines recognised by the 2015 medicine Nobel prize, blood-based estimates of time since death, Matt Gunther’s interview with chemistry laureate Tomas Lindahl about DNA repair, polymer additives designed to reduce aviation-fuel fires, and carbon quantum dots produced from urine.

Carolyn Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and Barry Sharpless explain the development of reliable reactions for connecting molecular components and the extension of those reactions into biological systems. Meldal and Sharpless describe the ideas and discoveries behind click chemistry, including efficient azide–alkyne coupling, and its use as a practical strategy for building functional molecules. Bertozzi addresses the additional challenge of performing chemical reactions in living systems without disrupting their normal processes. Her account connects the study and labelling of cell-surface glycans with the emergence of bioorthogonal chemistry and its biological and medical applications. The lectures distinguish robust synthetic coupling from the further requirements imposed by chemistry in cells and organisms.

Design, synthesise and purify compounds for potential clinical drug development in Amgen’s medicinal-chemistry group. The role includes difficult organic synthesis, route development, structure–activity relationships and structural analysis by NMR and mass spectrometry. Work may involve the Induced Proximity Platform and PROTAC approaches. This is an on-site laboratory role. The published annual salary range is USD 111,695.10–151,116.90.

Develop ligands and functionalised sorbents for recovering gallium, germanium and other critical minerals from zinc-processing streams. Research spans organic synthesis, resin and polymer modification, liquid–liquid and solid–liquid separations, and analytical characterisation. The Nanomaterials Chemistry Group collaborates with spectroscopy, theory, radiochemistry and industrial specialists. The initial appointment is up to 24 months, with possible extension subject to performance and funding.

Faculty appointment beginning 1 July 2027. Teach undergraduate organic chemistry lectures and laboratories, establish sustained research involving undergraduates, mentor students and contribute departmental and university service. The position emphasizes integrating research with undergraduate education. Application review begins on 15 November 2026 and recruitment continues until filled; this is a priority review date rather than a final deadline.