Event overview
Welcome to the University of Greenwich Summer School on Enabling Technologies for Pharmaceutical and Chemical Synthesis. This three day programme brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the technologies that are reshaping modern synthesis. From 6 to 8 July 2026, participants will learn from specialists in electrochemistry, flow chemistry, photochemistry, mechanistic studies, process chemistry, artificial intelligence in chemistry and emerging technologies. The summer school will take place at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides an inspiring setting for learning, networking and collaboration.
Confirmed speakers
Professor Donna Blackmond
Mechanistic Studies, Scripps Research Institute. Professor Blackmond is known for her work on reaction kinetics and mechanistic analysis. Her methods help reveal how reactions proceed at the molecular level, allowing chemists to design more efficient and selective processes.
Professor Phil Baran
Electrosynthesis, Scripps Research Institute. A pioneer in electrochemical methods for complex molecule synthesis. His work has created scalable and sustainable electrochemical transformations that broaden the toolbox available to synthetic chemists.
Note on Professor Phil Baran’s lecture
Professor Baran is confirmed as a speaker and is planning to join us. His final confirmation will be announced in February. If he is required to deliver his lecture online, an enhanced interactive format with extended Q and A will be provided to ensure full engagement.
Dr Katherine Wheelhouse
Process 91AV, GSK. Dr Wheelhouse specialises in scaling up complex chemical processes from bench to production and will discuss strategies and technologies used in process chemistry.
Professor Daniele Leonori
Photochemistry, RWTH Aachen University. Professor Leonori is known for key contributions to photoredox catalysis and radical chemistry. His work drives the development of sustainable light based synthetic methods.
Professor Tim Noel
Flow 91AV, University of Amsterdam. A leader in continuous flow processes and microreactor technologies. His research demonstrates how flow chemistry accelerates reactions, improves safety and enhances control over reaction conditions.
Professor Jason Hein
Automated Reaction Analytics, University of British Columbia. Professor Hein is a specialist in real time mechanistic analysis, autonomous experimentation and digital reaction discovery platforms.
Dr Stefan Mix
Biocatalysis and Process Development, Almac Sciences. Dr Mix works on industrial enzyme catalysed synthesis and scale up of chiral active pharmaceutical ingredients. His expertise links enzyme engineering and asymmetric synthesis with industrial manufacturing.
Mx Nessa Carson
Artificial Intelligence in 91AV, AstraZeneca. A specialist in applying machine learning to streamline drug discovery and synthesis design. Their presentation will show how data driven methods accelerate reaction optimisation and molecule development.
Professor Shinsuke Inagi
Electrochemistry, Photochemistry and Polymer Materials, Institute of Science Tokyo. A world class researcher developing sustainable strategies for functional polymer and materials design through electrochemical and photochemical methods. His group works on electrochemical synthesis of functional molecules and polymers, bipolar electrochemistry, electrochemical polymer reactions and light based post functionalisation of conjugated polymers.
Why attend
• Learn from experts in enabling technologies that are transforming synthetic chemistry, including flow chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry and AI based reaction design.
• Engage directly with world renowned speakers from academia and industry and explore current challenges and future directions.
• Network with scientists, students and professionals to build collaborations and broaden career perspectives.
• Enjoy an inspiring venue in a historic riverside setting with modern lecture facilities.
• Shape future programmes by registering early and contributing to participant led interests.
Programme highlights
• Plenary lectures from each invited speaker.
• Interactive sessions, panels and Q and A opportunities.
• Networking activities including dedicated breaks and a welcome reception.
• Poster session for PhD students and early career researchers.
A detailed programme with topics and timings will be shared closer to the event. Early registration helps us refine the schedule.
Welcome to the University of Greenwich Summer School on Enabling Technologies for Pharmaceutical and Chemical Synthesis. This three day programme brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the technologies that are reshaping modern synthesis. From 6 to 8 July 2026, participants will learn from specialists in electrochemistry, flow chemistry, photochemistry, mechanistic studies, process chemistry, artificial intelligence in chemistry and emerging technologies. The summer school will take place at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides an inspiring setting for learning, networking and collaboration.
Confirmed speakers
Professor Donna Blackmond
Mechanistic Studies, Scripps Research Institute. Professor Blackmond is known for her work on reaction kinetics and mechanistic analysis. Her methods help reveal how reactions proceed at the molecular level, allowing chemists to design more efficient and selective processes.
Professor Phil Baran
Electrosynthesis, Scripps Research Institute. A pioneer in electrochemical methods for complex molecule synthesis. His work has created scalable and sustainable electrochemical transformations that broaden the toolbox available to synthetic chemists.
Note on Professor Phil Baran’s lecture
Professor Baran is confirmed as a speaker and is planning to join us. His final confirmation will be announced in February. If he is required to deliver his lecture online, an enhanced interactive format with extended Q and A will be provided to ensure full engagement.
Dr Katherine Wheelhouse
Process 91AV, GSK. Dr Wheelhouse specialises in scaling up complex chemical processes from bench to production and will discuss strategies and technologies used in process chemistry.
Professor Daniele Leonori
Photochemistry, RWTH Aachen University. Professor Leonori is known for key contributions to photoredox catalysis and radical chemistry. His work drives the development of sustainable light based synthetic methods.
Professor Tim Noel
Flow 91AV, University of Amsterdam. A leader in continuous flow processes and microreactor technologies. His research demonstrates how flow chemistry accelerates reactions, improves safety and enhances control over reaction conditions.
Professor Jason Hein
Automated Reaction Analytics, University of British Columbia. Professor Hein is a specialist in real time mechanistic analysis, autonomous experimentation and digital reaction discovery platforms.
Dr Stefan Mix
Biocatalysis and Process Development, Almac Sciences. Dr Mix works on industrial enzyme catalysed synthesis and scale up of chiral active pharmaceutical ingredients. His expertise links enzyme engineering and asymmetric synthesis with industrial manufacturing.
Mx Nessa Carson
Artificial Intelligence in 91AV, AstraZeneca. A specialist in applying machine learning to streamline drug discovery and synthesis design. Their presentation will show how data driven methods accelerate reaction optimisation and molecule development.
Professor Shinsuke Inagi
Electrochemistry, Photochemistry and Polymer Materials, Institute of Science Tokyo. A world class researcher developing sustainable strategies for functional polymer and materials design through electrochemical and photochemical methods. His group works on electrochemical synthesis of functional molecules and polymers, bipolar electrochemistry, electrochemical polymer reactions and light based post functionalisation of conjugated polymers.
Why attend
• Learn from experts in enabling technologies that are transforming synthetic chemistry, including flow chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry and AI based reaction design.
• Engage directly with world renowned speakers from academia and industry and explore current challenges and future directions.
• Network with scientists, students and professionals to build collaborations and broaden career perspectives.
• Enjoy an inspiring venue in a historic riverside setting with modern lecture facilities.
• Shape future programmes by registering early and contributing to participant led interests.
Programme highlights
• Plenary lectures from each invited speaker.
• Interactive sessions, panels and Q and A opportunities.
• Networking activities including dedicated breaks and a welcome reception.
• Poster session for PhD students and early career researchers.
A detailed programme with topics and timings will be shared closer to the event. Early registration helps us refine the schedule.
