Tony Holý Lecture 2026 welcomed synthetic chemistry pioneer Phil S. Baran
Can some of the most complex molecules be made with fewer steps, less waste, and fewer chemical detours? This question lies at the heart of the work of Professor Phil S. Baran from Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, one of today’s most influential synthetic organic chemists and the speaker of this year’s Tony Holý Lecture on 13 July 2026 at IOCB Prague.
Baran’s research challenges some traditional practices in organic synthesis. Rather than accepting long sequences of protective steps and molecular detours, his group focuses on developing efficient transformations that build complexity directly and can ultimately find use in medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutical production.
In his lecture entitled Simplifying Synthesis with Radical Cross-Coupling, Professor Baran presented an approach that turns highly reactive radicals into practical tools for joining molecular fragments. He illustrated the method with practical examples and explained their chemical mechanisms. His work is helping chemists rethink how they plan the synthesis of complex compounds and is making their chemical life easier.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemistry, Professor Baran received the Tony Holý Lecture glass award from Pavlína Maloy Řezáčová, Vice Director for Research at IOCB Prague.
The Tony Holý Lecture series was established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Prof. Antonín Holý, whose research at IOCB Prague led to life-saving antiviral drugs, transforming the treatment of HIV worldwide. Since its inception, the series has welcomed several distinguished scientists, including Prof. Morten Peter Meldal, Prof. Hans-Georg Kräusslich, Dr. Tomáš Cihlář, Prof. Christa Müller, and Dr. John C. Martin.
