5th Umicore Catalysis Symposium
Advancing Homogeneous Catalysis for Industrial Applications
Umicore Catalysis Symposium (UCS) 2026
Join leading scientists from academia and industry for a day of expert presentations, technical exchange, and networking focused on the latest developments in homogeneous catalysis and applied chemistry.
18 November 2026 | Basel, Switzerland
2 Keynote Speakers & 8 Invited Speakers
Where scientific innovation meets industrial application
The Umicore Catalysis Symposium (UCS) brings together researchers, process chemists, and industry experts to discuss emerging trends, breakthrough technologies, and practical solutions in homogeneous catalysis.
Unlike large conferences, UCS offers a focused environment designed to encourage meaningful scientific discussion, direct interaction with speakers, and valuable networking opportunities.
- Gain insights into the latest advances in homogeneous catalysis
- Learn directly from internationally recognized academic and industrial experts
- Explore practical solutions with industrial relevance
- Exchange ideas with peers from academia and industry
- Build valuable professional connections in a focused environment
THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Prof. Bill Morandi, ETH Zurich
Shaping the future of catalytic atom transfer
What you'll learn
Explore how shuttle catalysis enables efficient atom and functional-group transfer and discover new catalytic concepts that are expanding the toolbox of modern organic synthesis.
Biography
Professor Bill Morandi is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis. His pioneering work at ETH Zurich has earned numerous international scientific awards.
Lecture: New Concepts for Atom and Functional Group Tansfer
Prof. Keary M. Engle, The Scripps Research Institute
Making nickel catalysis practical, accessible, and sustainable
What you'll learn
Understand how new air-stable nickel precatalysts simplify catalyst handling, improve operational efficiency, and enable more sustainable synthetic processes.
Biography
Professor Keary M. Engle is a globally recognized expert in catalytic technologies for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials.
Lecture: Air-stable Nickel(0) Complexes for Organic Synthesis
INVITED SPEAKERS & THEIR LECTURES
Jonas Dueker, Bayer
Mild Cross-Coupling Reactions with Copper and Modern Data Science Tools
Paolo Tosatti, Roche
Imine formation and C=N Asymmetric Hydrogenation for Second-generation manufacturing process of Migoprotafib
Marco Santagostino, Boehringer Ingelheim
HTE Tools for the Exploration of Multidimensional Reaction Spaces
Lucie Lovelle, Novartis
Insight into the Chemical Development of Remibrutinib
Emanuele Antico, Kailm Sheikh, Umicore
Expanding Umicore's Catalysis Solutions Through HTE and Ligand Manufacturing
Lukas Gooßen, RUB
MeNAP Dimers as Versatile Precatalysts for Palladium Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions
Shashank Shekar, AbbVie
The Applications of Biaryl Phosphorinanes as Ligands to Meet the Synthetic Needs of Pharmaceutical Industry
Robert Szpera, AstraZeneca
Applications of base metal catalysis within Chemical Development at AstraZeneca
Registration
The place to be: memox SBB, Basel (Switzerland)
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 8:45 am – 5:00 pm
Networking: Reception following the symposium
This event will not be streamed! It's an in person event.
- Participation is free of charge, but binding when confirmed
- Places are limited
- Early registration is recommended
To ensure a relevant, balanced and high-quality exchange, participation at UCS is limited and registrations will be reviewed. Confirmed participants will receive a personal confirmation within at least a week after the registration process.