The formation of life-critical chemicals
A new paper has been published exploring how diamidophosphate (DAP), a compound thought to be linked to the origins of life, could form naturally in the environment of the early Earth.
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Our research contributes to, benefits and influences society, culture, our environment and the economy
The School of Chemistry is home to a diverse community of committed and passionate staff and students, accessing a range of facilities and working within dedicated research laboratories.
Our world-leading research, delivered via six research groups, cuts across the fields of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The research themes of these groups are all at the disciplinary interfaces of chemistry, with: physics, geology and biology, biology and medicine, physics and mathematics, materials science, medicine and chemical engineering.
Over the last 5 years our scientific research has led to the publication of over 1,000 journal articles, 13 book chapters, and 6 books. We've also filed 47 patent applications, and received more than £27m in research income.
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Atmospheric and planetary chemistry
Understanding the vital resource that is our atmosphere is essential for sustainable future development. Atmospheric chemistry influences air quality, human health, and climate change and hence the future of our planet.
Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry
We focus on chemical approaches at the interfaces with both biology and medicine, with expertise in synthesis, medicinal chemistry, molecular recognition, mechanistic enzymology, biophysical chemistry and nanoscience.
Colour and polymer science
Our research focuses on the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel colorants and their applications, as well as the design, synthesis and characterisation of monomers and macromolecules.
Computational chemistry and chemical physics
We strive to understand and control atomic and molecular motion in chemical reactivity. Novel computational and analytical methods for quantum dynamics are an important part of our work.
Crystallisation and directed assembly
We look at the application of assembly-based approaches for the generation of new functional materials, investigating how assembly occurs over length scales from the molecular to the mesoscale.
Process research and development
Through the Institute of Process Research and Development, we explore the manufacturing of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and new materials.
Whether you're looking to begin an academic career or want to develop your skills and expertise for a career in industry, studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential.
Bragg Centre for Materials Research
The Bragg Centre for Materials Research will enable the discovery, creation, characterisation and exploitation of materials engineered at the atomic level.
The Centre acts as a focus for research across campus, bringing together the University's strengths in III-V semiconductors, optoelectronics, and high frequency devices, crystallisation and materials chemistry, functional oxides and glasses, ferroelectric, magnetic and spintronic materials, bionanotechnology, soft condensed matter systems, and functional surfaces and corrosion.
It is supported by our £96million investment in engineering and physical sciences, the Sir William Henry Bragg building.