Department of Chemistry

Durham Chemistry’s research aims to address central grand-challenge themes through collaborative research within the department and through engagement with university-wide research centres and institutes as well as external partners.

Our research is structured in six research groupings:

• Soft Matter and Interfaces
• Bioactive Chemistry and Synthesis
• Computational and Dynamics
• Functional Molecules and Materials
• Catalysis and Sustainable Chemical Processes
• Physical Organic & Assembly

Through these, we advance science and technology in areas such as photo active materials and molecules for sensing, therapeutic and emission-dependent applications,  exploitation of first-principles soft-matter modelling to societally important formulation challenges. Our researchers are also working on the application of biochemical expertise to treat neglected tropical diseases, improving understanding of photon and electron driven chemistry in materials, the atmosphere and the interstellar medium, and improved industrial sustainability via application of novel chemical processes, mechanistic insight and enhanced catalysts.

Much of our work is done in partnership, both within the university and externally. Examples include our research partnership with P&G, which has a particular focus on soft matter chemistry and challenges at the chemistry-life sciences boundary; and our Bioactive Chemistry Research Grouping who work under the umbrella of Durham's Biophysical Science Institute and lead a multi-partner international GCRF Network in Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The department’s research is underpinned by a vibrant cohort of PDRAs and PhD students, many of whom are supported through our Centres for Doctoral Training (SoFI, MosMed, GCRF, ReNu) and industry. The department produces world-leading research with global societal impact which feeds back into our research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.