Advances in organometallic chemistry have had major impacts on diverse areas of science in both academic and industrial settings. Today it plays a pivotal role in the discovery of new technologies and materials, from novel polymers and nanomaterials to more efficient syntheses of pharmaceuticals and industrial feedstocks. In fact, the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for achievements in organometallic chemistry, specifically for “the development of the metathesis methods in organic chemistry”, to R.H. Grubbs (CalTech), R. R. Schrock (MIT) and Y. Chauvin (France).

In order to provide graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with their own venue in which to present and explore current research in this area of research we are organizing for the first time a Gordon Research Seminar on Organometallic Chemistry. This type of seminars provide an invaluable learning experience by giving the participants the opportunity to discuss their most recent research breakthroughs with a small group of peers in a workshop type atmosphere where discussion among all participants is key. This seminar will be designed to explore a broad range of topics and relevant trends in organometallic chemistry and will be closely linked with the Gordon Research Conference in Organometallic Chemistry. The seminar will also feature two keynote speakers (from academia and industry) and a panel discussion on traditional and non-traditional careers in this multifaceted area of research.