Hear from the synthetic chemist rewriting the rules of molecular construction – join us 3 December

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For decades, chemists have built molecules by adding to them, piece by piece. But what if the smartest way to make something new was to start by taking something apart, or by quietly swapping a single atom in the middle of a molecule’s core?

Enter skeletal editing. This concept allows chemists to insert, delete or swap individual atoms in a molecule’s core framework, rather than building it from scratch. Ideas like these are changing what we think is possible in synthesis, and opening up new ways to approach everything from drug discovery to natural products.

We are delighted to present this special, hour-long broadcast with leading synthetic chemist and pioneer of skeletal editing, Richmond Sarpong. Inspired to pursue chemistry during his childhood in Ghana, Sarpong’s career has made waves in the field of total synthesis. Alongside skeletal editing, his group at University of California, Berkeley, designs strategies for making complex, biologically active molecules, including natural products drawn from marine and terrestrial life.

His achievements have had significant implications for drug discovery and have been recognized globally. Beyond his research, Sarpong is a dedicated teacher and mentor, and has spoken about the achievements of his students as the thing he is most proud of.

Join us for what promises to be an inspiring hour of big ideas and candid conversation. This webinar will be of interest to all career stages, and anyone who is curious about how experts challenge convention and turn bold ideas into practical chemistry.

Richmond Sarpong

Portrait of Richmond Sarpong, the Maxine J. Elliott University professor of chemistry at the University of California Berkeley

Richmond Sarpong is the Maxine J. Elliott University professor of chemistry at the University of California Berkeley. Sarpong completed his undergraduate studies at Macalester College (St. Paul, MN) and his graduate work with Prof. Martin Semmelhack at Princeton. He conducted postdoctoral studies at Caltech with Prof. Brian Stoltz. At Berkeley, Sarpong’s laboratory focuses on strategies and methods for the synthesis of complex organic molecules that could form the basis for new pharmaceuticals. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020), the National Academy of Science (2025) and a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Arts and Sciences (2025).

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