6 Jan 2017
How are chemical reactions which are discovered and researched in a laboratory setting translated into industrial-scale manufacturing processes? Starting as a laboratory process every novel synthetic methodology and synthesis, however efficient on small scale, requires a significant amount of development to end up as an established procedure in a production plant. Industries are faced with the challenging task of exploiting existing laboratory reactions to create and implement new production routines, while taking into consideration economical, ecological and safety requirements. Expertise in chemical engineering, synthetic chemistry and process technology is needed for the successful extrapolation of a laboratory procedure from a mini- to a pilot plant to a full-sized industrial process.
The 34th SCI Process Development Symposium will explore this highly interdisciplinary field by bringing together a broad range of experts from various backgrounds. Organised by the SCI’s Fine Chemicals Group, this established and well-attended meeting offers a discussion platform for process scientists from across the entire spectrum of the discipline.
Here are some comments from two of our previous speakers:
“I found it was an excellent selection of process related topics, much broader than I would have expected it to be, and it definitely expanded my understanding of the area. The various breaks provided ample opportunity for discussing with many of my industry colleagues in a very relaxed atmosphere, particularly during the wine reception and follow up dinner.”
Prof Igor Larrosa, University of Manchester
“The conference was a unique forum for exchange with industrial process scientists - not only process chemists. As an academic, it was great to interact in a very approachable manner with scientists in such a relaxed environment where everyone obviously enjoyed being in this beautiful venue.”
Prof Steven Nolan, University of St Andrews
During the course of three days speakers from industry and academia will provide insight into their research and latest findings. Regular refreshment breaks, discussions and drinks receptions will provide plenty of opportunity to engage with fellow researchers or to view offers by companies and organisations related to process development.
Moving from the lab to the pilot plant to full scale manufacturing, it is as important as ever that our processes have the best chemical route, minimised environmental impact and meet legislation and cost of goods targets. As ever, the mainstay of the conference will be case studies from major pharmaceutical/agrochemical companies showcasing the best science and technology in achieving these goals. We will hear from companies like Pfizer, AZ, GSK, Syngenta, Merck and others who will illustrate how this is achieved in their companies and will provide an ideal learning platform for any company striving for excellence in process research and development.
In recent years, catalysis has been seen as a pivotal chemical technology for greener and more efficient reactions. This year there will be presentations on metathesis, chiral synthesis using metal catalysts and highlighted by a presentation from Prof Matthias Beller from the Rostock Institute, a world leading expert in developing novel catalysts and catalytic transformations for the use in process chemistry.
Of course we need to think about the overall impact and global efficiency of any manufacturing process and the complete picture is more than just getting the optimum bond forming sequence. We should consider efficient holistic design and the downstream processing stages, so to rise to these challenges there will be presentations on process understanding, distillation and crystallisation.
Following on from feedback from the 2016 conference, there will be a couple of lectures with a bio theme. There will be a presentation on the use of biocatalysis in synthesis, and a presentation on antibody drug conjugates (ADC’s). Currently a hot topic in the pharmaceutical industry, it is likely that in the future attendees may be called on to synthesis linkers and devise chemistry to connect the antibody to the API target.
Attendees who might be less familiar with the history of process development will find the broad range of topics discussed of great use and interest.
The meeting will also feature the awarding of the Syngenta, Pfizer and AstraZeneca prize for process chemistry research 2016.
Process scientists of all levels of experience and from all areas of the chemical and pharmaceutical sciences are welcome to take advantage of next year’s Process Development Symposium, as an excellent networking opportunity to discuss and learn about state-of-the-art process development.
The symposium will be held in Churchill College in Cambridge from Wednesday 29 March – Friday 31 March 2017. College accommodation for delegates is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The full programme and further details can be found at www.soci.org/events.
Don't forget that CPD points are available to SCI members who attend this event.
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