Stereochemistry defines the spatial arrangement of atoms in space and provides chemical perspicuity. This special topic in chemistry is key to our ability to design and prepare innovative molecular architectures to serve as new catalysts, new materials and new therapeutics. As such, these tools guide us to understand stereochemical interactions enabling an iteration of understanding. These same precepts allow us to rationalize the chemistry of biology and biologically active compounds. Although our fundamental understanding of stereochemistry may reduce to phenomena on the molecular scale, its practical aspects extrapolate to ton-scale production and sustainable technologies. The daunting task to cover this topic in one conference is a 40 year tradition of the Stereochemistry GRC, which has been a leading venue for scientists to discuss issues of structure, property and synthesis. The Gordon Research Conference on Stereochemistry provides a unique forum for the discussion of current discoveries and intellectual advances pertaining to this most relevant, timely topic. The speaker selection in each of these disciplines emphasizes the very latest in mechanistic and structural aspects of chemistry and biology with stereochemistry at its core.

The 2012 meeting will focus on highly topical areas of stereochemistry. A plenary program of 29 speakers and 9 moderators will form the basis for the conference. There will be also 2 poster sessions with associated "chalk-talks" for new independent researchers. An open atmosphere for informal discussion events in the afternoon and late evening will be fostered.