Trans-Mediterranean Colloquium on Heterocyclic Chemistry

The IX Trans-Mediterranean Colloquium on Heterocyclic Chemistry (TRAMECH IX) was held from 22-25 November 2017 in Fes (Morocco), which had been the capital city of modern Morocco until 1925 and now capital of the Fès–Meknès administrative region. The city has two old Medina quarters, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, is the oldest university in the world. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa."

The Fes meeting was particularly successful both from the scientific point of view and as a social and friendly gathering thanks to the excellent work of the local organizers who were able to create a friendly atmosphere around the participants.

The TRAMECH IX meeting was attended by 258 participants from 30 Countries and 53 Universities and research Centers, including 8 Moroccan Universities. The opening conference was given by Professor Ei-ichi Negishi (Nobel Prize Winner for Chemistry in 2010). The scientific program included also 16 plenary lectures, 12 invited lectures, 27 short talks and 193 poster presentations. Two short talks and two posters were awarded with a certificate.

The chemistry presented by speakers at TRAMECH IX involved developed and underdeveloped countries, and focused on the synthesis, reactivity, and applications of heterocyclic compounds of interest in the fields of medicinal chemistry, new materials, green chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacochemistry, structural and materials sciences, environmental chemistry, nanotechnologies, and biotechnologies by using innovative methodologies. During the meeting, there were pertinent discussions that sometimes continued at the coffee breaks with the participation of young people. Live discussions took place at the crowded poster sessions.

The IUPAC support was bestowed in order to facilitate interactions and collaborations among the countries of the Mediterranean area through meetings, conferences, and exchanges between researchers and various stages of young people in advanced laboratories for their PhD studies and research training. The conference lived up to expectations due to a large number of attendees, high level of speakers, and good quality of presented results. Moreover, one could observe moments of socialization among participants.

At the end of the TRAMECH IX there was a discussion about the location of the TRAMECH X meeting in 2019. Several countries were proposed, including Monastir (Tunisia), Unilehavre (France), Hurghada (Egypt), and some cities of Spain. The definitive selection will be made as soon as possible by the International Scientific Committee (ISC) so that the interested countries can be informed.

Again, the involvement of very distinguished speakers will be pursued and the participation of young, motivated people will be facilitated. IUPAC will provide financial support within the project 2015-027-1-300. As in the Rabat, Antalya, and Fes meetings, the interactions among participants are expected to promote scientific collaborations and give young people the chance for research experience in well-established laboratories, either as PhD students or as visiting researchers.