Our research

We have world-leading expertise in the development of analytical methods to identify and characterise important (bio)molecules, from health/disease biomarkers to medical target compounds. 

We synthesise and test anti-microbial glassy materials, as well as hybrid inorganic-organic materials with molecular-sized channels suitable for drug storage.

In addition to the experimental work, we use computational methods based on quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics to aid the design of new drugs.

Research in this theme focuses on materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. 

We study thermoelectric inorganic materials for recovering energy from waste heat, photo- and electro- catalysts for hydrogen production or carbon dioxide reduction, among other applications. 

State-of-the-art X-ray diffraction instruments for structure determination under non-ambient conditions are available in our Chemical Analysis Facility and play a key role in establishing structure-property relationships. 

We use computational techniques, based on quantum chemistry and machine learning, to accelerate the design and understanding of novel energy materials. 

We develop polymeric materials that are used for cosmetics, ink formulations for 3D printing, and many other applications. 

Our researchers have done pioneering work in the field of self-healing polymers, creating materials that can repair themselves after damage.

We study the chemistry that occurs around and within membranes and lipid bilayers, to enhance our understanding of how the stimuli-responsive membrane proteins work in biological conditions. 

We use a range of X-ray spectroscopy technique to understand the physical properties and reactivity of liquids, including ionic liquids and electrolytes.

For administrative purposes, we organise into two sections, both sitting under our Chemical Sciences Division:

• Organic, Biological and Analytical (OBA) Chemistry Section
• Physical, Inorganic and Materials (PIM) Chemistry Section

Meet our team

Members of the Organic, Biological, and Analytical (OBA) Chemistry Section:

• Professor R Cramer (Head of Section)
• Professor F Hartl
• Dr JE McKendrick
• Dr C Smith
• Professor CJ Cardin
• Dr James Cooper
• Professor IW Hamley
• Professor WC Hayes
• Dr M Cafiero

Members of the Physical, Inorganic, and Materials (PIM) Chemistry Section:

• Dr R Grau-Crespo
• Dr RA Bennett
• Dr JM Elliott
• Professor AV Powell
• Dr P Vaqueiro
• Dr K Lovelock
• Dr J Hallett

For more information about our Chemistry research, please contact Dr Ricardo Grau-Crespo, Research Division Lead, email: r.grau-crespo@reading.ac.uk