The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at The University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI Mona) hosted a diverse congregation of chemists, both local and international, from January 3 to 6, 2024. The scientists came together to exchange research insights and findings at the 29th Mona Symposium on Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry. The research areas included compounds of biological and pharmaceutical importance (anti-tumour, medical imaging agents, anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, hallucinogenic, environmental monitoring). Specifically, the isolation, synthesis, fungal transformation and biosynthesis of these compounds were discussed.

The biennial Mona Symposium was first hosted in 1966, and is the oldest Chemistry conference in the English-speaking Caribbean. Its longevity attests to the significant contributions that local and regional scientists have made in this research area.

With representation from the USA, Canada, Japan, Poland, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa and Jamaica, the symposium fostered a rich exchange of research output and collaborative opportunities. The event featured seven distinguished plenary lectures, fourteen short papers and a number of poster presentations, where research on the latest developments in natural products and medicinal chemistry was showcased.

The conference participants were welcomed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Professor Densil Williams, Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Mona Campus brought greetings. Ms. LaTrease Garrison, Chief Operating Officer, American Chemical Society, underscored the significance of the symposium in the academic community. Also among the attendees were the FST Dean, Chemistry HOD, staff, graduate students, alumni, government and industry partners, friends of the Faculty and Department. Colleagues from the University of Technology Jamaica also actively participated. The meeting was attended by Distinguished Professor James Cook (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee), who stated he has been participating in the Symposium since 1974  for two reasons, “ firstly, my interest in the Jamaican people and the island of Jamaica, and secondly, the diverse range of lectures provided an opportunity for me to catch up on things I had not previously learned about and hadn't had the time to explore, but are essential to my research”. The Jamaican father and son duo, Dr. Kamaluddin Abdur-Rashid (father, FST Alum) and Kareem Abdur-Rashid (son), who have teamed up to create ‘Kare Chemical Technologies’, a Canadian pharmaceutical technology company that develops catalytic processes for the commercial manufacture of pure, single component cannabinoids were also in attendance.

The Symposium provided an opportunity for graduate students and other early career researchers to build their research portfolio and showcase their investigations in a poster session. This saw Areka Rattery (1st place),  Ronnique Blair (2nd place) and Zoie Aimey (3rd place) copping prizes for best presentations. Their studies examined plastics in paper-based packaging, essential oil composition in ganja (Cannabis sativa), and stability of ackee (Blighia sapida) oil on heating, respectively.

 A special session was dedicated to the late Dr. Trevor Yee, who – as its second Director –  was integral in the development of The Natural Products Institute, as well as the popularization of natural products research in Jamaica. Undoubtedly spurred on by years of industrial experience, he worked on collaborative projects which generated a number of patents for The UWI. His special mentorship skills were also highlighted at the session by his former graduate student, Dr Charah Watson, now Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council.

Beyond the academic sessions, the symposium provided plenty of opportunities for networking, socializing and fostering of camaraderie among attendees. A cocktail reception and a concert featuring The UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra, conference dinner, as well as a day trip to the UWI’s Lyssons Beach created a relaxed atmosphere, allowing participants to engage in informal discussions and forge new connections.

The 29th Mona Symposium transcended traditional academic boundaries, becoming a melting pot of ideas, collaboration, and celebration. In the Science Lecture Theatre 3 the exchange of knowledge led to the formation of new bonds that will undoubtedly shape the future of natural products and medicinal chemistry locally, regionally and internationally.

The symposium was organised by Professor Emeritus Paul Reese, Professor Roy Porter, Dr. Winklet Gallimore, Dr. Nadale Downer-Riley, Dr. Ainka Brown, Dr. Patrick Gordon and Ms. Ronnique Blair. After the meeting Professor Reese commented that the Organising Committee was heartened by excellent presentations that helped to make the conference a success. He noted that the symposium, which started out in 1966 as one devoted solely to Natural Products, was now covering all aspects of Organic Chemistry and its interface with other areas of the discipline (Food, Inorganic, Physical), as well as with the other sciences.

The Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science & Technology at Mona wish to thank all participants, as well as partners and sponsors. The American Chemical Society, Scientific Research Council, The Office of the Vice Chancellor, The Mona Campus, Royal Jamaican Rums and Spirits Limited, Conrad Douglas & Associates Limited, and Coffee Solutions Limited all contributed to the successful staging of the Mona Symposium on Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry 2024.

Photo caption: Local and international participants at the 29th Mona Symposium on Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry hosted by The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona from January 3 - 6, 2024.

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