HOUSTON, Texas, October 14, 2009 – Synthetic chemistry, the science of combining simple structures into more complex molecules, underlies many modern advances ranging from biological applications to sophisticated materials for environmental or energy uses.  On Oct. 26-27, approximately 800 attendees will gather here at The Welch Foundation's 53rd chemical research conference, "Advances in Synthetic Chemistry," to hear about the latest methods and concepts in this field.

The conference, to be held at the Hilton Houston North, will provide a broad perspective on this important area of chemistry, including exploring how the total synthesis of biologically important natural products can inspire new synthetic approaches.

"We are welcoming many of the most creative minds in this field, including two Nobel laureates and some of chemistry's brightest young minds," said conference chairman Dr. Peter B. Dervan of California Institute of Technology.  "Given the importance of the chemical and medical industries in Houston, we expect to attract a large local audience as well who are interested in learning how basic research in this area can drive applications that benefit humankind."

Living systems are a collection of large and small molecules whose interactions cause and control processes in living systems.  While earlier research, such as decoding the human genome, focused on understanding structure, much of today's focus is on function.  The conference will explore the new tools that are allowing scientists to unravel the complexities of these biological machines and then produce large quantities of important molecules in practical ways.

Harry B. Gray, Arnold O. Beckman Professor of Chemistry at California Institute of Technology, recipient of the 2009 Welch Award in Chemistry recognizing his lifetime achievements, will present the 2009 Welch Award Lecture before lunch on Oct. 27.

To review a complete program, please visit The Welch Foundation’s Web site, www.welch1.org, or call The Foundation at 713-961-9884.

The Houston-based Welch Foundation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's oldest and largest sources of funding for basic research in chemistry.  In addition to the annual chemical conference, it supports science through research and departmental grants to Texas colleges and universities, funding of academic chairs and support for other chemistry-related programs.  The Foundation also bestows the annual Welch Award in Chemistry, a $300,000 international price recognizing lifetime achievement in basic research, and the Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research for young scientists working in Texas.