The FECHEM Conference, one of a series of EuCheMS Conferences, promoted by the EuCheMS Division of Organometallic Chemistry, will bring together chemical scientists from industry and academia and provide an international forum for presentation and discussion of frontier research in all aspects of organometallic chemistry. Roger Sheldon is head of the Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry (BOC) Department at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. Roger Sheldon’s pioneering research in the Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry group is directed towards the development of atom-efficient, low-waste processes for the synthesis of high added value chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and chiral intermediates. His primary research interests encompass the application of catalytic methodologies -homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic- in organic synthesis, particularly in relation to fine chemicals production. Further details of his work are on the web at http://www.bt.tudelft.nl/content/boc/ The EuCheMS Lecture honours outstanding achievements by a European chemist. It also serves to enhance the image of European chemistry and to promote scientific cooperation in Europe. It rotates among EuCheMS member societies and is delivered at a scientific event outside the lecturer’s own country.