Chicago Scots to Host Nobel Laureate Sir David MacMillan for a Dram & Discussion

Scotland has a remarkable track record of producing individuals whose ideas and innovations have made an impact far beyond our borders. On Tuesday 27 October, Chicago Scots will celebrate one of those success stories, bringing together Nobel Prize-winning chemist Sir David MacMillan and members of the international Scottish community for a special Dram & Discussion exploring innovation, ambition and the influence of Scottish identity on global success.

Scotland's international reputation has been built on generations of innovators, entrepreneurs and thinkers who have taken their expertise onto the world stage.

From engineering and medicine to technology and scientific discovery, Scottish talent continues to make a significant contribution to industries and communities around the world.

One particularly compelling example is Sir David MacMillan, the Scottish-born chemist who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in asymmetric organocatalysis.

On Tuesday 27 October, Chicago Scots will host a special edition of its Dram & Discussion series, offering audiences in Scotland and internationally the opportunity to hear directly from Sir David about his extraordinary career, the discoveries that shaped it and the role his Scottish upbringing played in his success.

From New Stevenston to the Nobel Prize

Sir David's journey is a remarkable example of Scottish talent achieving international recognition.

Born in Bellshill and raised in New Stevenston, the grandson of a coal miner and son of a steelworker, he went on to study chemistry at the University of Glasgow before pursuing an academic career in the United States.

Today, he is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University and one of the world's most respected scientists.

His Nobel Prize-winning research helped revolutionise the way molecules are constructed, opening new possibilities for more efficient, environmentally friendly and safer chemical manufacturing, including the development of pharmaceuticals.

It is the kind of breakthrough that demonstrates how fundamental scientific research can eventually translate into significant commercial and societal impact.

But what makes Sir David's story particularly interesting is not simply the scale of his achievements. It is the approach to innovation that helped make them possible.

His willingness to take risks, challenge established thinking and find inventive solutions to difficult problems offers lessons that extend well beyond the laboratory.

A conversation about innovation, ambition and Scottish identity

The upcoming Dram & Discussion will bring Sir David together with Gus Noble OBE of Chicago Scots and Stuart Miller, a leading sustainability scientist and executive director at UL Materials Discovery Research Institute.

The conversation will explore Sir David's journey from Scotland to Princeton, his experience of winning the Nobel Prize and how his Scottish background influenced his outlook and approach to scientific discovery.

It will also examine his ambitions for the future, including his belief that advances in molecular chemistry could contribute to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

And, reflecting the informal nature of the event, there will be an opportunity to hear about his passion for football and the experiences that have shaped his life beyond academia.

For Scottish business leaders, there is considerable value in hearing from someone who has successfully challenged conventional thinking at the highest level.

Innovation is not confined to science. The willingness to question assumptions, pursue ambitious ideas and take calculated risks is equally important for businesses looking to develop new products, enter international markets and compete globally.

The importance of Scotland's global connections

What makes this event particularly relevant is the role organisations such as Chicago Scots play in maintaining and strengthening Scotland's international relationships.

Founded in 1845, Chicago Scots has spent generations celebrating Scottish identity and building connections between Scotland and the United States.

Events such as Dram & Discussion demonstrate how those relationships can create opportunities to share knowledge, celebrate achievement and connect people across borders.

For Scotland, this international network is an important asset.

We have exceptional talent working in universities, research institutions, businesses and organisations throughout the world. Many of those individuals retain strong connections to Scotland and a genuine interest in supporting its future success.

The opportunity is to make more of those relationships.

Whether through commercial partnerships, investment, research collaboration or simply sharing experience, Scotland's global community can play a significant role in helping our businesses and institutions develop internationally.

Sir David MacMillan's story is a reminder of what Scottish talent can achieve on the world stage. Events like this help ensure those achievements remain connected to the country where the journey began.

Dram & Discussion takes place on Tuesday 27 October 2026, with attendees able to participate in person at the UL Materials Discovery Research Institute in Skokie, Illinois, or join online from anywhere in the world.

The event is free to attend, although advance registration is required.

For Scottish business leaders, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in innovation, it promises to be an opportunity to hear from one of Scotland's most accomplished international figures.

Scotland has never lacked the talent or ambition to make an impact globally. The challenge is ensuring we continue to celebrate those achievements, learn from them and use our international connections to inspire the next generation.

To learn more about Dram & Discussion and register for the event, visit Chicago Scots.