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School of Chemistry

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The School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne is one of Australia's leading research centres in the chemical sciences.

Research prospectus

Faculty of Science researchers conduct diverse and varied research in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our scientists are global leaders in their fields, finding solutions to the biggest issues we face today.

As one of the largest and oldest Chemistry departments in Australia, our school has a rich and notable history. Today, the School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria.

Our academics are undertaking interdisciplinary research within purpose-built facilities. Explore our research prospectus to find out what projects our leading academics are investigating.

Download the prospectus (PDF 2.7 MB)

The cover of the School of Chemistry research prospectus

Learn more about our research

  • Research areas, groups and centres

    We have more than 30 different groups conducting research in a range of multidisciplinary areas, in addition to hosting several Centres of Excellence.

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  • Graduate Research

    We have an excellent international reputation in research with an ongoing program to keep our facilities at world standard and our efforts focussed.

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  • Industry & grants

    We receive funding and grants from Government and Industry. We also host a number of Research Fellows who benefit from our first class facilities and vibrant community.

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  • Facilities & equipment

    We offer access to a wide range of modern research instruments and facilities.

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Connect with us

If you would like to study with us, or discuss opportunities for collaboration, or helping to fund our work, see below for how to get in touch.

Study with us

Join over 10,000 students at the Faculty of Science with a range of honours, graduate, and research degrees. Visit the Graduate hub for information and enquiries about graduate studies.

Support us

Our generous benefactors make our work possible. Visit Support Chemistry to find out how you can support our leading research and help change the lives of future generations by funding science scholarships.

Collaborate with us

The Faculty of Science invites interested organisations who would like to explore collaborative research or use our developed technologies. Please get in touch with our Business Development team to discuss.

Frances Guyett
Director, Business Development, Physical Sciences
Research, Innovation & Commercialisation | The University of Melbourne
Incorporating UoM Commercial Ltd and the School of Melbourne Custom Programs
Phone: +61 417 535 617
Email: frances.guyett@unimelb.edu.au

Our Graduates go on to do amazing things…
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  • Courses

    Courses available in the area of Chemical Sciences include Bachelor Degrees, Diplomas & Certificates, Masters / Doctors by Coursework and PhDMasters / Doctors by Research.

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  • Current students

    General information for undergraduate, fourth year, and graduate researchers, including course outline, services and scholarships, as well as careers in the field.

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  • Graduate research

    The School of Chemistry has an excellent international reputation in research with an ongoing program to keep our facilities at world standard and our efforts focused.

    View research
  • Awards, prizes and scholarships

    A range of scholarships, awards and prizes are on offer to support students and research.

    Find out more

The School has strong links to the community through various programs, collections, regular events and publications.

  • Chemistry Outreach Program

  • Melbourne University Chemical Society

    MUCS runs a public lecture series that encompasses all aspects of chemistry.

  • Chemistry Cultural Collection

    We host a unique collection of historical artefacts and information related to Chemistry in Victoria.

  • Alumni

    Read about our fantastic graduates and find out about upcoming alumni events.

  • Chemistry Education Association

    Professional development for Secondary School teachers, run in conjunction with the Chemistry Education Association, CEA.

  • Royal Australian Chemical Institute

    We have strong links with the Royal Australian Chemistry Institute (RACI).

  • School of Chemistry Books

    The story of four decades in the School, Chemistry@Melbourne, and an account of the first 1000 meetings of MUCS From Chalk and Talk to Powerpoint, written by Dr Valda McRae.

  • Support Chemistry

    We gratefully acknowledge and thank the benefactors partnering with us to advance research and scholarship of the highest level.

Our staff consists of teaching and research academics and research only staff, supported by technical and administrative personnel.

Email addresses for staff in the School can also be found in the University's email directory.

  • Academic staff

    A listing of academic staff in the School of Chemistry

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  • Professional staff

    A listing of professional staff working in the School of Chemistry

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Head of School's Welcome

Photo of Richard O'Hair
Richard O'Hair - Head, School of Chemistry

The School of Chemistry is a department of the Faculty of Science and one of the largest and oldest in Australia with a distinguished history in teaching and research.

The first lectures in chemistry in The University of Melbourne were given in 1856, only three years after the University was founded. Further information about our history is available. Since then the School has grown with over 3000 undergraduates enrolled in Chemistry subjects and more than 120 research higher degree students. The School is home to 26 continuing teaching & research staff and over 40 research only and 20 professional staff.

The School has an excellent international reputation in research and success in external research funding. There is an ongoing program to keep research facilities at world standard, which has involved progressive upgrading of the School's laboratories and instrumentation and recruitment of academics with a strong research profile.

The School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria. New purpose-built research laboratories are located in the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science & Biotechnology building and the Chemistry building which has undergone major refurbishments. These exciting developments provide excellent facilities for researchers in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment.

We invite you to browse our website and welcome inquiries from students interested in pursuing studies in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Richard O'Hair
Head, School of Chemistry

Contact us

Related links

  • History of the school
  • Diversity and inclusion in the School
  • Our partners
  • Annual reports
  • EH&S

  • Science Facebook
  • Science Twitter
  • Science YouTube
  • Contact Chemistry
  • Faculty Intranet

Support Chemistry

School of Chemistry

  • Research
    • Research areas, groups and centres
      • Research areas
      • Research groups
      • Research centres
    • Research funding
    • Information for potential research and postdoctoral fellows
    • Research facilities and equipment
  • Study
    • Courses
    • Current Students
      • Why Study Chemistry
      • International Students
      • Careers
      • Resources and Services
      • Undergraduate Study
      • Staff Student Liaison Committee
      • Masson Scholars Program
    • Graduate research
      • Chemistry Postgraduate Society (CPS)
      • Graduate Research Pathway
    • Awards, Prizes and Scholarships
    • Our graduates
  • Engage
    • Chemistry Outreach Program
    • Melbourne University Chemical Society
    • Chemistry Cultural Collection
    • Alumni
      • Our graduates
      • Alumni functions
    • Third Year Dinners
    • School of Chemistry Books
    • Support Chemistry
  • News
    • Professor Richard O’Hair recieves the 2021 ANZSMS Medal
    • PhD Positions in Exciton Science
    • Graduate Research Pathway for Chemistry
    • Chris Hall awarded Asian Photochemical Association Prize
    • Seeing the power of white island firsthand
    • My eyesight is weak, but my vision is strong
    • The HIV and COVID-19 global pandemics - lessons for responding to both viruses
    • School of Chemistry Student Awards Ceremony 2020
    • New drug target for sugar-coated viruses
    • Organised chaos: The key to next-generation solar technology
    • University welcomes largest pure biotech IPO in ASX history
    • Congratulations to Professor Spencer Williams who received the 2021 HG Smith Memorial Award
    • Congratulations to Dr James Hutchison who will partner with the Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES)
    • Cyclotek announces the CRIB Project at Bio21
  • People
    • Academic staff
    • Professional staff
    • Employment Opportunities
  • About
    • History of the School
      • Chemistry Building Redevelopment
    • Contact us
    • Our partners
    • Annual reports
    • Diversity and inclusion
  • Search
  • Safety
  • Outreach
  • Current Students
  • Library
  • Staff