Transatlantic Frontiers of Chemistry 2006

At the most recent Transatlantic Frontiers of Chemistry Symposium, early career chemists from a wide range of disciplines within the chemical sciences gathered to share their research and build valuable networks with peers from the US, Germany and the UK. 

The organising committee, chaired by Michael D. Burkart from the University of California in San Diego, put together a varied and diverse programme that demonstrated the breadth of work being carried out in the three countries. Topics covered included catalysis, molecular mechanisms, molecules to materials, chemistry of interfaces, synthesis and molecules to cells. 

'It was great to have the leading young chemists from three of the most productive chemical societies participating. The standard of the research was magnificent and showed the breadth and depth of the work going on in each of the countries represented,' commented organising committee member, Duncan Graham from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. 

The meeting was opened with welcoming remarks from Catherine Hunt, President-Elect of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Henning Hopf, Vice President of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and Jim Feast, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). John D. Roberts, Professor at the California Institute of Technology, started the scientific programme with a fascinating distinguished lecture on the history of nuclear magnetic resonance in organic chemistry. 

Two designated poster sessions provided opportunities for participants to talk about topics at the frontiers of current research. The discussion was lively and provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to establish lasting contacts with fellow chemists from across a range of disciplines. 'The range of chemistry that was covered and the enthusiasm of the participants was one of the great things about the conference,' said organiser Claire Carmalt, from University College London. 

Michael D. Burkart was joined on the organising committee by fellow Americans, Paul Maggard from North Carolina State University and Melanie Sanford from the University of Michigan. Other organisers were Carsten Schmuck (University of Wuerzburg), Stefan Mecking (University of Konstanz), Ingo Krossing (University of Freiburg), Claire Carmalt (University College London), Duncan Graham (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow) and Ben Davis (University of Oxford).