PhD Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers exciting and industry-relevant research opportunities across a range of areas including energy, molecular markers and detection; crime and security; chemical process technologies; and catalysis and functional molecules.

The Department of Chemistry is undergoing an exciting period of development. Our new STEMLab and newly refurbished research laboratories provide an outstanding environment to conduct scientific research.

Our strengths are in analytical science including: the study and detection of biomarkers; in energy research such as solar energy harvesting, hydrogen generation, functional energy materials/coatings, photochemistry, and batteries and supercapacitors; and in catalytic, synthetic and flow methods to prepare new molecules for health and materials applications.

As a research student in the Department of Chemistry you will join a team of around 45 staff members and approximately 50 research students plus post-doctoral researchers and fellows. You will be encouraged to participate in conferences and provided with opportunities to present your research work.

You will benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities, enhanced by the University's £17 million STEMLab and a £6 million investment in newly refurbished chemistry laboratories. Our research labs and study areas provide an excellent environment in which to pursue your research passions while the Department strives to create a stimulating and inclusive academic community.

Our staff are engaged in high-profile, high-impact research projects which continue to address real world problems in vital areas such as energy and the environment, defence and security, and health and medicine.

Much of the current research is supported by Research Councils, Government departments, charitable institutions and industrial companies.