The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences is a vibrant centre of research in chemistry. We have an international reputation in a wide range of fields from catalysis to anticancer drug design and molecular photonics to nanotechnology.

Research in the School of Chemistry is organised into the following groups:

Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Our strength in medicinal chemistry is evident through our track record of successful research. This has included the discovery of drugs that have progressed to clinic. We have core capacity in:

anti-cancer drug discovery
biomolecular imaging
computational chemistry
chemical biology.

Nanoscience and Materials

Our research develops new methods to synthesise, characterise and improve our understanding of materials. We focus on materials with useful nanoscale properties. Read more about our nanoscience and materials research.

Photonic Materials

Photonic materials refer to systems that respond to stimulation by light. These can range from single molecules to intricate architectures and molecular devices. Many systems focus on:

converting sunlight into chemical potential
the concentration of excitonic energy.

We focus on understanding fundamental principles by using spectroscopic examination. Read more about our photonic materials research.

Structure and Dynamics

Structure underpins the majority of research in chemistry, biology and materials science. The trouble is, the world is dynamic and not static. This means that understanding how structures evolve during a chemical reaction is critical. Our research relates to fundamental and applied research fields over broad time ranges. Read more about our structure and dynamics research.

Synthesis, Reactivity and Catalysis

This research group combines the expertise of organic and inorganic chemists. Our research aims to advance fundamental knowledge and capabilities in synthesis and reactivity. We focus on the elements s, p, d and f blocks across the periodic table. Through this study we can develop new and improved materials and catalytic processes. Read more about our synthesis, reactivity and catalysis research.