Driving breakthroughs in health, industry and the environment
From development of new drugs and drug delivery methods, to understanding the fundamental properties of metal complexes, chemistry has a huge impact on our society. As one of the fundamental sciences, chemistry underpins many of the most important aspects of our world. What we eat, the technology we use and how we treat illness all occur as a result of chemical reactions.
Molecules are the building blocks of all matter. By studying matter we can predict and explain how molecular interactions affect the composition, structure and physical properties of substances. Understanding these chemical processes allows them to be modified into innovative solutions and technologies to help address the global challenges facing our society.
Associated schools, institutes & centres
Impact
Our cutting-edge chemical research has contributed to the development of new technologies including:
- The synthesis and study of novel functionalised supramolecular structures such as cucurbit[n]urils that can be used for biological, environmental, pharmaceutical (including drug delivery technologies) and industrial applications.
- The synthesis and study of redox-active and luminescent transition metal complexes for applications in biological systems, sensor systems and light-activated molecular devices.
- Rapid and selective screening of wide range of explosives on portable platforms, as well as remote monitoring of toxic gases.
- Development of new pharmaceuticals to treat mental health disorders
Competitive advantage
New state-of-the-art laboratories with excellent analytical research infrastructure including NMR, mass spectrometry, GC-MS and fluorometers.
- Close working relationships and funding from industry
- Strong and on-going collaborations with academic colleagues in Australia and around the world.
- Considerable external funding from government sources (e.g. Australian Research Council) and industry.
- Strong publication record in international journals.
Our researchers
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Pashley et al. ‘Resin for desalination and process of regeneration.’ WO 2020/118371 A1. Published 18 June 2020.
Pashley et al. ‘Sterilization method.’ WO 2019/104383 A1. Published 6 June 2019.
Pashley et al. ‘.’ WO 2018/071985 A1. Published 26 April 2018.
Rui Wei, Richard M. Pashley. ‘.’ Desalination. 479, 114329 (2020).
Anis-Ul-Haque KM; Woodward CE; Day AI; Wallace L, 2020, '', Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 59, pp. 3942 – 3953.
Al Rawashdeh L; Cronin MP; Woodward CE; Day AI; Wallace L, 2016, 'I', Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 55, pp. 6759 – 6769.
Dhiman R; Pen S; Chandrakumar PK; Frankcombe TJ; Day AI, 2020, '', Chemical Communications, vol. 56, pp. 2529 – 2537.8.
Chandrakumar PK; Dhiman R; Woodward CE; Iranmanesh H; Beves JE; Day AI, 2019, '', Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 84, pp. 3826 – 3831.
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Our teaching is informed by our research, particularly in our second and third-year courses. This provides both interesting and important real-world applications that highlight the theoretical aspects of our courses and the development of a variety of student-oriented research projects at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
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Successful adoption of some of our research by industry through international patents and the setting up of “spin-off” companies.