Synthetic Chemistry

The sixth H3D symposium brings scientists and pharmaceutical researchers together around chemistry and biology for infectious diseases. The programme covers drug discovery, chemical biology, medicinal and synthetic chemistry, infectious-disease biology and enabling technologies, with scientific talks, posters and networking. It takes place at the Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa outside Hermanus, South Africa, from 13 to 16 October 2026. Standard delegate registration is open until 10 October 2026. Abstract submission closed on 15 May and early registration closed on 31 July; those actions are no longer open.

Apurba Bhatacharya discusses the intellectual and aesthetic rewards of organic synthesis: devising a retrosynthetic plan and then realizing it experimentally. The talk considers how the distinct chemical properties of elements allow synthetic chemists to construct complex molecular networks. It connects this molecular craftsmanship with academic innovation and the sustained practical work of synthesis, presenting beauty and simplicity as ways to understand its apparent complexity. Speaker: Dr. Apurba Bhatacharya, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University–Kingsville. Hosted by the School of Math and Physical Sciences, Chemistry Seminar Series. Wednesday 30 September 2026, 15:00–16:00 America/Chicago (CDT). The university invites attendees to Nierman Hall, Room 251, Texas A and M University–Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA. Those attending remotely can use the public Zoom link or Join Stream button on the official event page.

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. Online via Zoom Webinar. Wednesday 28 October 2026, 13:30–14:30 JST (Asia/Tokyo; UTC+9). Public advance registration is required through the organizer’s event page. The lecture is in English with Japanese interpretation. Organized by Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study.