George Lyall-Brookes

Project: Development of bespoke algorithms for autonomous optimisation in flow

What inspired you to pursue this project and join the DAMC CDT?

I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2022 with an undergraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, completing placements at both Recipharm and AstraZeneca. I then completed my master’s degree at Durham University under the supervision of Prof. Ian Baxendale, where I developed an interest in flow chemistry. I then moved to Sterling Pharma Solutions where I continued to work in flow chemistry, synthesising pharmaceutically relevant small molecules. During this time, I also developed an interest in algorithmic optimisation and how it could be paired with flow chemistry, to improve the efficiency of organic synthesis. As such, when the opportunity to work on a project that combined both algorithmic optimisation and flow chemistry presented itself, I was keen to undertake it. The project was also attractive due to the interdisciplinary supervisory team, providing expertise in both facets of the project, and the opportunity to be a part of a wider cohort, for both support and training.

What is your research project about, and what impact do you hope it will have?

My project focusses on the integration of both algorithmic optimisation and flow chemistry into organic synthesis workflows - to improve upon the current methods, and develop new methods, to access organic materials and precursors. Algorithmic optimisation allows users to optimise for multiple, sometimes competing, objectives e.g. yield and cost, meaning high yields can be achieved whilst minimising metrics such as environmental impact and cost. Optimal reaction conditions can also be typically determined in a shorter time frame than more traditional optimisation methods, improving efficiency. Flow chemistry also enables access to reaction conditions that are difficult to achieve in batch, providing alternative routes to access compounds/materials of interest. Thus, it is hoped that via integrating both flow chemistry and algorithmic optimisation into synthetic workflows we will be able to expedite the synthesis of organic materials and precursors in a cost effective, safe, and environmentally friendly manner.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your PhD journey so far and how does your project benefit from being part of an interdisciplinary CDT?

The most exciting part of my PhD so far has been the opportunity, provided by the CDT, to attend both national and international conferences to share my work and hear about the cutting-edge research going on in my field. I also benefit from being part of an interdisciplinary cohort as collaboration between people with differing expertise is simplified, preventing potential bottlenecks in projects.

Publications:

1. Lyall-Brookes, G., Padgham, A. C., & Slater, A. G. (2025). Flow chemistry as a tool for high throughput experimentation. Digital Discovery, 4(9), 2364-2400. doi:10.1039/d5dd00129c