Autonomous reaction systems for chemical synthesis: dream or reality? | Prof Federico Galvanin

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing chemical manufacturing with digital twins and autonomous systems powered by AI and machine learning (ML) accelerating the production and delivery of new drugs and target molecules in pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industry. UCL Chemical Engineering is at the forefront of innovation in this research area, thanks to the development of cutting-edge reactor platforms that use AI/ML to optimize chemical synthesis, reduce costs, and enable real-time process optimization. These platforms operate autonomously, requiring no human intervention, due to the integration of advanced computational algorithms.  

In this inaugural lecture, Professor Federico Galvanin will explore how these autonomous systems are transforming microreactor chemistry and ML-assisted nanocrystal synthesis in drug manufacturing. Challenges and breakthroughs in autonomous platform development will be discussed, emphasizing the role of optimal experimental design and computational modelling in driving innovation and creating new opportunities in process optimization and on-demand manufacturing.

About the Professor

Federico Galvanin is Professor of Chemical Engineering at UCL. He earned his Chemical Engineering degree in 2006 and Ph.D. in 2010 from the University of Padova, Italy. After a postdoctoral position focusing on clinical test design in Padova, he joined UCL in 2014 as a Research Associate, later becoming Lecturer in 2015, Associate Professor in 2021, and Full Professor in 2024. His expertise includes model identification, model-based design of experiments (MBDoE), and integration of AI/ML in automated and autonomous systems for developing chemical, biological, and physiological models. He leads the Galvanin System Identification (GSIG) group, focused on developing systems-based methods and computational tools for the optimal experimental design with the goal of identifying predictive models with the minimum cost, time and effort in the experimentation.

Live Streaming

This will be an in-person event and open to the public. If you are unable to attend the UCL campus, please watch the Live Stream via the link below.

Watch the Live Stream! 

UCL Engineering Inaugural Lecture Series

This lecture is part of the UCL Engineering Inaugural Lecture Series.

Join us this academic year for an unmissable series of Inaugural Lectures to recognise, celebrate and showcase the achievements of our newest professors in UCL Engineering!

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore groundbreaking research that is shaping the future and transforming the world!

Our Inaugural Lectures are free to attend for all students, staff and members of the public.

Lectures are typically one hour long. A reception will follow to which everyone is welcome to join.

Booking is essential to secure your space. We look forward to seeing you there!

UCL Engineering Inaugural Lecture Series

Additional information:

Attendees

If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or by emailing: chemeng.comms@ucl.ac.uk.

All under 16s must be attending with an adult who understands the nature of this event and ensures the minor/s are supervised at all times.

Additional questions

If you have any additional questions, please email: chemeng.comms@ucl.ac.uk.

Access

We want to make this event as inclusive as possible.

Please let us know when registering if you have any requirements you would like us to be made aware of so we can try to make reasonable adjustments.

Photography

There will be photographs and videos taken during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed please inform an event organiser. You will be provided with a red lanyard to ensure your privacy is protected.

Privacy notice

We are collecting your booking details in order to administer your event attendance.

By registering onto our events, you agree to be contacted about our future events and receive our newsletters. You can unsubscribe from the UCL Engineering events mailing list at any time.

Your data will be used by the UCL Faculty of Engineering team solely.

Please note that Eventbrite is a third-party service that is not owned or managed by UCL. You should refer to Eventbrite’s terms and conditions of privacy policy as we do not accept any responsibility or liability for their policies.

Eventbrite operates in the USA and subscribes to the EU-US Privacy Shield, which commits subscribers to adhering to European standards of data protection. For further details, please see:

Eventbrite terms and conditions
Eventbrite privacy policy

The UCL Faculty of Engineering will remain responsible for your personal data as data controller and all queries should be directed to faceng.events@ucl.ac.uk.