How many of us would no longer be alive today without medication? Active compounds—whether derived from nature or created by humans—can have a wide range of effects on the human body, from reducing fever and treating mental disorders to producing intoxicating effects. Their benefits extend far beyond direct effects on the human body. For example, without crop protection agents, it would be impossible to feed the world’s population today. But where do all these active compounds come from, and what do we do when they eventually stop working or when we need medicines for new diseases?

This lecture takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of active compounds, focusing on their many applications. The discovery and production of these substances are illustrated through key examples that have undeniably changed—and continue to change—our world.

Speaker: Manuel van Gemmeren (Otto Diels Institute of Organic Chemistry)

The event is part of the lecture series “Chemistry? Chemistry!” and is open to all interested participants—students as well as citizens from Kiel and the surrounding region. No prior knowledge is required. The aim is to present current chemical research in an accessible way and to provide insights into a field that influences many aspects of our daily lives. Further dates in the “Chemistry? Chemistry!” lecture series can be found via the event link.

This lecture series is part of Science Comes to Town, with support from the KiNSIS research focus.