Pharmaceutical production is fragmented and solvent-intensive, and recycling solvents and key ingredients is not common practice. Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients - both existing and new - are released into the planet's ecosystems, often with harmful consequences.

In his inaugural lecture, Brahim will explore the complexities and biases of the methods used to measure the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry, including carbon footprint, green chemistry practices, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He will address the technical, regulatory, and mindset issues, and the urgent need for harmonisation.

Brahim will also discuss hopes and misconceptions around achieving Net Zero and highlight the significant digital shifts occurring in the industry. He will showcase compelling examples of digital transformation, including computer-assisted greener-by-design total synthetic routes, self-optimised processes, self-driven laboratories, and a systems approach to sustainability and quality.