Natural products produced predominantly by microorganisms and plants have inspired the development of many blockbuster drugs and crop protection agents. Natural Products research is strategically important to industry and society globally, and we are fortunate to have a vibrant research community engaged in this activity. Directing Biosynthesis IV will be the fourth in a successful series of meetings. While the field is driven by genetic and associated technological advances, the fields of organic chemistry, enzymology, biochemistry and ecology will continue to make strong contributions. Chemistry remains the central focus. Directing Biosynthesis IV will feature an opening Frontiers session as well as a Perspectives session to mark the 25th anniversary of the discovery of modular thiotemplate assembly lines for polyketide biosynthesis. A session on Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering will showcase some of the important past, current and future contributions biosynthesis is making towards these areas.