Research Groupings

Bioactive Chemistry and Synthesis

Addressing a range of exciting challenges at the interface between chemistry and biology with a diverse range of scientific expertise including; Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical-Biology, Biochemistry, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, and Structural and Analytical Chemistry. Research is supported by state-of-the-art facilities located within the Department.

Research Grouping Leader: Prof Ehmke Pohl

Catalysis and Sustainable Chemical Processes

Involved at the interface between synthesis, organic chemistry, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis and flow chemistry.

Research Grouping Leader: Dr Simon Beaumont

Computational and Dynamics

Working to understand fundamental chemical processes in order to underpin future advances in chemistry and molecular physics. Development and use of tools of quantum mechanics, laser manipulation and control, and computational chemistry to understand classical and quantum dynamics, electronic structure and materials.

Research Grouping Leader: Dr David Carty

Functional Molecules and Materials

Addresses the major challenges concerning the preparation, analysis and exploitation of functional molecules and materials across the chemical spectrum. Using a range of scientific skills from synthesis to physical and photo-physical properties measurements and computation. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and analytical techniques, including single crystal X-ray, powder X-ray solid-state NMR, spectroscopy and microscopy to build up an overall understanding of how function relates to structure.

Research Grouping Leader: Prof. Ivana Evans

Physical Organic and Assembly

Using the tools of physical organic chemistry to study mechanisms, dynamics, binding, self-assembly and non-covalent interactions with a focus on gaining quantitative, molecular level understanding of properties and structure-reactivity relationships. Supported by state-of-the-art analytical facilities and instruments.

Research Grouping Leader: Dr. David Hodgson

Soft Matter and Interfaces

Research concerns a diverse range of soft structures with dimensions ranging from the nano-to macroscale. A key aspect is the preparation of well-defined molecules, materials, dispersions and surfaces, which leads to desired function. Modern synthetic methods are used to achieve such control and materials prepared are investigated using a suite of analytical methods, including surface spectroscopies, scanning probe and electron microscopies. Research on the fundamental physical chemistry of interfaces includes crystal nucleation, surface freezing, adsorption kinetics and ultrafast electron dynamics.

Research Grouping Leader: Prof. Jonathan W. Steed