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Humans are changing the structure and chemical composition of the world we live in at historically unprecedented rates, leading to major global challenges. There is a great need for the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge within a diverse and equitable environment to be able to solve these global challenges. Through chemistry, we can understand the changes that are happening and their consequences.
The first part of the talk will give an account of the road to the Nobel Prize for the CuAAC reaction and explore how Click Chemistry has opened up new avenues in treating infectious and metabolic illnesses, as illustrated within cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s dementia and novel antibiotics to combat the multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, existential aspects of our fundamental understanding of chemistry, the importance of serendipity in research, the associated need for freedom of research and our pledge to the young to study science for a better future society will also be discussed. In addition, the talk will touch on how to transfer excellence to the research environment.
Within academia, research has shown a strong positive correlation between diversity and innovative excellence and the ability of groups to develop creative solutions. It has also been shown that without inclusion, the power of diversity cannot be successfully harnessed.
The second part of the talk will address aspects of gender and intersectional diversity and how to nurture an inclusive mind-set so that we can collectively shape a future where everyone has equal opportunity to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen path for the benefit of all.
Morten Meldal is a Danish chemist and professor at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, alongside Barry Sharpless and Carolyn Bartozzi, for the groundbreaking development of ‘Click chemistry and biorthogonal chemistry’. Throughout Morten’s career, his research has had innovative influences on methods in peptide and combinatorial chemistry. His involvement in method development of solid-phase and combinatorial peptide synthesis, as well as development of the CuAAc Click reaction, have become mainstream methods for application in bioorganic and organic synthesis.
A Dominican born, former science academic researcher and corporate leader with 20+ years experience in pharma and biotech, Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire has a proven track record of inspiring and driving cross functional, multicultural teams to deliver results from her leadership positions at global companies like Carlsberg and Novo Nordisk; and from the non-profit organization, ProWoc (Professional Women of Colour Network) that she co-founded in 2019. Phaedria is passionate about DEIB and changing the gender and race narrative and has spoken globally and facilitated workshops on these topics. She was nominated for a Nordic Diversity Award in 2022 and in March 2024 was awarded an Impact Award for her global work within EDI. She believes in empowerment of self and others, continuous learning, self-reflection, and reinvention and is also Mentor and Certified Executive Coach from Henley Business School. Phaedria is also a part-time Business Angel Investor both privately and for Ada Ventures, an inclusive UK venture fund. She was selected as one of the 10 most inspiring Business Angels in Denmark in 2023 and received a Cross-Border Angel Award in 2024. She is also a Consultant in DEIB, leadership development and pharma outsourcing and serves on NGO & Start-up boards
Coffee and tea served at 16:00pm
Augusto Ceccucci, Pippa Wells