Bridging Innovation and Sustainability: The Past, Present, and Future of Organic Synthesis (Lecture by Prof. FENSTERBANK)

Louis Fensterbank traces organic synthesis from nineteenth-century natural-product isolation to the construction of increasingly complex molecules, and considers its contributions to medicine, agriculture, materials and longer lives. The lecture examines two current challenges: using automation and artificial intelligence to explore new chemical space for therapeutics and advanced materials, and developing greener synthesis that reduces waste, energy use and toxicity. It considers how molecular innovation can advance alongside environmental protection. Fensterbank is Professor at Collège de France. Makoto Fujita provides commentary; Marie Oshima moderates.