ORGANIC Chemistry: INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

FRANK WARREN CONFERENCE 2026

5 JULY - 9 JULY 2026

welcome to the 17^th frank warren conference

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Prof. Varinder Aggarwal

Chair in Synthetic Chemistry
University of Bristol, United Kingdom

Research interests: New catalytic asymmetric methods, developing new classes of reagents for iterative synthesis, and applications of these methods in the synthesis of complex molecules

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Prof. Fernando Albericio

Research Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa

Research interests: All aspects of peptide synthetic methodology as well as the synthesis of peptides and small molecules with therapeutic activities (cancer and infectious diseases).

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Prof. Dr. Hans-Günther Schmalz

University of Cologne, Germany

Research interests: The development of methods and strategies for the stereoselective synthesis of biologically relevant molecules. In this context, they are exploring, among other things, new possibilities to exploit transition-metal organic chemistry, both in a stoichiometric and in a catalytic manner

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Prof. Steven Ballet

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Research interests: Mainly in the peptide and peptidomimetic field. Other research topics involve injectable peptide hydrogels for sustained release of bioactive peptides, the synthesis of turn/helix/loop mimetics, and transition metal-catalysed derivatization of peptides in aqueous media.

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Prof. Dr. Svetlana B. Tsogoeva

Professor of Organic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.

Research interests: Broad topics spanning from catalysis to medicinal chemistry.

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Prof. Nicholas J. Turner

Professor of Chemical Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Research interests: Biocatalysis, directed evolution of enzymes and synthetic biology. The Turner group is at the forefront of research aimed at creating new enzymes for application as biocatalysts for chemical synthesis.

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Dr. Alexander Makarov

Director of Research at the Life Science Mass Spectrometry Business Unit, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germany.

Area of interest: Providing scientific leadership of the Astral analyzer development and technologies for high-mass analysis. His work is reflected in more than 15000 instruments installed worldwide, 150 journal articles, 200 issued US patents, and over 500 patents issued worldwide.

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Prof. Edith M Antunes

University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Research interests: Marine and terrestrial natural product discovery, bioactive compound isolation, solid-state and solution NMR, and the sustainable synthesis and characterization of functional nanomaterials.

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Prof. Winston Nxumalo

Professor of Chemistry, University of Limpopo, South Africa.

Research interests: Medicinal chemistry, focusing on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and continuous Flow Technology in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

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Prof. Tricia Naicker

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Research interests: Organic synthesis of biologically relevant intermediates, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry and asymmetric organocatalysis.

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Prof. Paul Watts

SARChI Research Chair in Microfluidic Bio/Chemical Processing, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.

Research interests: Improving organic synthesis utilizing new technology, green chemistry, process intensification, electrochemical synthesis and catalysis (and biocatalysis) in continuous flow reactors.

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Prof Vinesh Maharaj

Director of the Biodiscovery Centre and the Deputy Dean of Research and Post Graduate Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Research interests: Natural product chemistry and discovery and development of new drug leads based on biodiversity samples.

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Prof. Jan Rijn Zeevaart

General Research Manager, Applied Radiation, Necsa, South Africa.

Work area: Radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical chemistry and how these disciplines can be exploited in designing new radiopharmaceuticals.

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Dr. Martin Friede

Former Head of the Vaccine Research Unit, WHO, Geneva.

Work area: Vaccine research including product development, development of vaccine research policies, strategies and priorities, and assistance to countries to establish vaccine R&D and production.

Message from the Chair:

Dear Delegates,

On behalf of the Organising committee, we welcome you the 17^th Frank Warren Conference to be held between 5 and 9 July 2026. The main purpose of the Frank Warren Conference is to showcase organic chemistry and related topics and we will be hosting the Conference in one of the most beautiful and unique parts of the country, the Kruger National Park. The conference will be held at Skukuza, the main rest camp in the Kruger National Park where we have already block booked accommodation.

We have chosen the theme Innovations for a Sustainable Future under the umbrella of organic chemistry. As chemists we have a responsibility to mankind to ensure there is a future for generations to come on planet earth. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030—very ambitious goals, but as organic chemists we are well positioned to contribute meaningfully and take the first steps towards achieving these goals.

By selecting the theme Innovations for a Sustainable Future, we aim to showcase how chemists can contribute to the UNSDGs related to water, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Organic chemists can also take action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.

Skukuza is a Tsonga word meaning “he who sweeps clean” and it was a nickname given to the 1st warden of the park by the local staff. It is situated in the Southern banks of the Sabie River offering a wide array of facilities and activities namely game drives, guided bush walks, a unique 9-hole golf course, and a spa. The camp is also a prime location for wildlife viewing including the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). There’s even a viewing deck near the restaurants overlooking the river for spotting animals that come to drink in the early mornings and late afternoons.

If you are interested in attending the 17th Frank Warren Conference in July 2026, please note that registration will open in late July 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to Skukuza in 2026.

Warm regards,

Charles de Koning

Conference Chair: Frank Warren 2026 (On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee)

If you are interested in attending the 17th Frank Warren Conference in July 2026, please note that registration will open in late July 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to Skukuza in 2026.

Warm regards,

Charles de Koning

Conference Chair: Frank Warren 2026 (On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee)