MedChem Symposium
Towards Medicinal Chemistry 2025
UWC MedChem2025
 

A prestigious symposium was recently held thanks to a collaboration between Prof Ulrich  Hennecke’s Organic Chemistry Group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, and Dr Orbett Alexander’s Inorganic Chemistry Group at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

The symposium provided a dynamic platform for leading researchers, scientists, industry professionals, and students to showcase and discuss their latest advancements and research in medicinal chemistry. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in insightful presentations, interactive poster exhibitions, student presentations, and valuable networking sessions, fostering collaboration and innovation across the field through interdisciplinary research.

SPEAKERS’ MESSAGES

• Prof Greg Smith, a leading expert in inorganic chemistry at the University of Cape Town, participated in the medicinal chemistry symposium at UWC, invited by Dr Alexander. 

   

  Advancing Medicinal Chemistry Through Collaboration 

  “This inaugural meeting brought together chemists from diverse fields - organic, inorganic, physical, and computational - all under the umbrella of medicinal chemistry,” he said.

  He praised the high calibre of presentations, particularly those by students.

  “I was genuinely impressed by how polished and professional the student talks were. Credit must go to both the students and their supervisors.”

  Beyond showcasing cutting-edge science, the event fostered collaboration. “It gave us a chance to reconnect with colleagues and spark new partnerships,” Smith noted. “I’ve seen former students grow into accomplished researchers and it’s exciting to explore future collaborations.” 

  Prof Smith is optimistic that the event would become an annual one, potentially expanding its reach globally.  “It’s the beginning of something meaningful.

  "I'm excited to see it grow.”  

• Prof Ulrich Hennecke joined the Organic Chemistry Research Group (ORGC) at VUB as Associate Professor.

   

  Bridging Borders Through Chemistry:

  Prof Ulrich Hennecke on Global Collaboration Prof Hennecke, an organic chemistry professor at the VUB, is leading a promising collaboration with Dr Alexander at UWC. Their joint work focuses on designing new drug molecules by combining expertise in metal complexes and organic frameworks.

  “This collaboration brings complementary strengths together,” said Prof Hennecke. “We make the organic molecules that support and enhance the metal-based compounds developed by Dr. Alexander’s team.”

  Their partnership included student exchanges. UWC students have worked in Brussels, and Belgian students are set to visit UWC - strengthening practical collaboration and scientific exchange. They also co-organised a symposium to foster idea-sharing among researchers.

  “Science thrives on collaboration,” Hennecke emphasised. “Bringing together minds from different countries and even industries helps us move research forward, especially in fields like medicinal chemistry, where our goal is to develop new, effective drugs to benefit society.”

• Emeritus Prof Andreas Roodt holds a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and returned to the University of the Free State as Distinguished Professor in 2005.

   

  Importance of Inspiring Young Chemists Through Collaboration

  Prof Roodt praised the recent international chemistry meeting hosted at UWC, calling it a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of scientists. A mentor to Dr Alexander, Roodt commended his mentee’s leadership and vision.

  “This conference is not just about high-level science. It’s about inspiring students,” Roodt emphasised. “Exposure to international researchers and diverse perspectives motivates young scientists to think globally and aim higher.”

  The meeting brought together academic and industry experts from around the world. According to Roodt, this blend was crucial to demonstrate the real-world applications of chemistry and the journey from research to impact.

  He stressed that long-term success is depended on consistent institutional support. “Building world-class research doesn’t happen overnight; it requires infrastructure, skilled staff, and sustained investment,” he said, noting UWC’s recent strides in expanding its chemistry department.

  Prof Roodt sees the event as essential for South Africa’s scientific future.

  “This must continue year after year. It benefits the region, the country, and the international research community.”

• Remofilwe Manye from Stellenbosch University –                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

  “I've just finished my PhD project. Attending this symposium has actually been great. It was nice to meet other academics, especially young academics. It was especially nice to also see well-established academics and even someone from industry who was able to share with us how to merge into industry and what other opportunities are out there. So I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to come here and also to present, which was lovely. I think we need more of these types of events where young people can meet and exchange ideas, learn from other people’s projects and maybe we could also incorporate their work into ours somehow, or maybe collaborate as well.”

Awards were given to: 

Best MSc Oral Presentation: Mr Lehlohonolo T. Motsieloa (Supervisor: Dr. O. Alexander, UWC)

Best MSc Poster Presentation: Ms Sivenathi Davani (Supervisor: Dr. C. Cupido, UWC)

Best PhD Oral Presentation: Mr. G. Soogary (Supervisor: Prof. G. Smith, UCT)

Best PhD Poster Presentation: Ms. A. Mashweu (Supervisor: Prof. V. Azov, UFS)

“I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between my research group and that of Prof. Ulrich Hennecke, which has given rise to a truly meaningful and timely initiative - a Medicinal Chemistry Indaba that not only brought scientists together in an inspiring way, but also marked the beginning of what promises to be a long-standing platform for collaboration, innovation, and scientific exchange,” said Dr Alexander.

“We are truly grateful for the generous support received from colleagues, sponsors and collaborators, from near and far, who have fully participated in the MedChem symposium 2025 at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The kind and enthusiastic response from leading scientists regarding the direction of the field was inspiring, particularly the shared recognition of the importance of networking and collaboration. The quality of the science presented by all the speakers, including our MSc and PhD students, was very exceptional, reflecting the depth of talent within our academic community.” 

This gathering fostered meaningful conversations on the future of medicinal chemistry, opened doors for potential collaboration and inter-laboratory access, and deepened the mutual understanding between academia and industry. We aim to position UWC at the forefront of scientific advancement, reflecting our commitment to achieving UWC’s IOP strategic goals. I would like to give special thanks to Prof Robert Balfour (Rector),  Prof Jose Frantz (Deputy Vice - Chancellor: Research and Innovation), Dr Umesh Bawa (International Relations Office), Prof David Holgate (Dean of Natural Sciences), Prof Martin Onani (HoD of Department of Chemistry) for supporting this initiative relentlessly. I further wish to extend my gratitude to all the sponsors, as well as to my colleagues Dr Candice Cupido and Mr. Timothy Lesch, who tirelessly worked alongside me to ensure the success of this event.

The students credited with organising such a prestigious event were Mmabatho Ledibane, Lehlohonolo Motsieloa, Boitumelo Nthapo, Brithney Snyman, Jordan Ncube, Meschac Duga, Nondumiso Zwane, Nomfundo Sibisi, Thandiwe Mazibuko and Phelisa Cwasi.