image: Rice Unviersity's Global Paris Center will host the Art and Science of Total Synthesis of Natural and Designed Molecules for Biology and Medicine symposium Oct. 2-4, 2024.
Credit: Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University.
The inaugural Art and Science of Total Synthesis of Natural and Designed Molecules for Biology and Medicine (ASTS-NDM 2024) symposium will unite some of the world’s leading organic chemists Oct. 2-4 at the historic Club de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris. Hosted by Rice University’s Global Paris Center, this prestigious event will feature plenary lectures from Nobel laureates Barry Sharpless, Ben Feringa and Morten Meldal.
The symposium will highlight the critical role of organic synthesis, a branch of chemical synthesis focused on constructing complex organic compounds, advancing fields such as medicine, materials science and chemical biology. Central to this discussion will be total synthesis, a field chemists view as both art and science.
“We are excited to offer a platform where groundbreaking ideas can be exchanged, potentially shaping the future of therapeutic treatments and biological research,” said László Kürti, a professor of chemistry at Rice and co-chair of the event’s organizing committee. “This event fosters collaboration in a field where complex molecular synthesis holds tremendous potential for health care innovation.”
ASTS-NDM 2024 will feature presentations from 18 of the foremost experts in synthetic organic chemistry who are pushing the boundaries of the field through innovative research and cutting-edge methodologies.
Among the plenary speakers is K.C. Nicolaou, the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Chemistry at Rice, who has synthesized nearly 200 complex molecules.
“Organic synthesis bridges structure and function in remarkable ways,” Nicolaou said. “From drug discovery to nanotechnology, it enables breakthroughs that address global challenges in health care, sustainability and energy.”
Other distinguished organic and medicinal chemists scheduled to speak at ASTS-NDM 2024 and present research on innovative synthetic methods, the construction of biologically active molecules and the application of chemistry to solve pressing real-world challenges include:
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Alois Fürstner (Max Planck Institute, Germany), whose transformative work in catalysis has advanced organometallic chemistry and total synthesis.
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Sarah Reisman (California Institute of Technology), a leading authority in natural product synthesis, focusing on complex biologically active molecules.
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Ilan Marek (Technion, Israel), renowned for his contributions to stereoselective synthesis and innovative strategies for constructing molecular complexity.
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Peter Somfai (Lund University, Sweden), specializing in synthetic strategies and methods for developing biologically active compounds.
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Kelly Chibale (University of Cape Town, South Africa), a pioneer in drug discovery for infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria, through bioactive compound synthesis.
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Antonio Echavarren (Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, Spain), recognized for his groundbreaking work in gold-catalyzed reactions and the total synthesis of natural products.
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Jin-Quan Yu (Scripps Research Institute), a trailblazer in C-H activation, developing catalytic systems to simplify complex molecule construction.
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Erick Carreira (ETH Zurich, Switzerland), an expert in asymmetric synthesis and the total synthesis of natural products with potential medical applications.
Attendees will gain insights into state-of-the-art techniques in molecular construction and the total synthesis of bioactive compounds, making ASTS-NDM 2024 an essential event for leaders and practitioners in molecular design and synthesis.
Event highlights:
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Plenary and invited lectures: Hear from world-renowned experts in synthetic organic chemistry, discussing the past and the future of organic synthesis.
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Poster session: Discover emerging research and innovations.
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Networking opportunities: Engage with peers at a welcome reception at the prestigious Club de la Chasse et de la Nature and enjoy a gala dinner at the historic Bofinger Restaurant.
ASTS-NDM 2024 is an exclusive event limited to 120 participants. Registration closes Sept. 25 with poster submissions due by Sept. 15. For more information and registration details, please visit the website.
Media are invited to attend the symposium. For credentials, please contact Estelle Dubernard, director of strategic alliances at Rice Global Paris, at ed22@rice.edu.