The 2026 Birch Lecture, honouring Arthur J. Birch, will feature Sir David W. C. MacMillan, James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University.
A Nobel Laureate, MacMillan is internationally renowned for his pioneering discoveries in organocatalysis and photoredox catalysis, which have transformed modern synthetic chemistry and enabled more sustainable chemical processes. His work has earned numerous prestigious international awards and memberships in leading scientific academies

The award is made annually, with the Birch Lecturer typically spending approximately one week in the School.

REECON+ is a high-level, discussion-driven forum on the future of global critical mineral value chains. The conference brings industry, government, finance, policy, and academia to examine how mineral-rich nations can position themselves in a new era of strategic rivalry.