The School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences is a diverse and and powerful research grouping with unique expertise in the chemical and molecular life sciences. Research income exceeds $11 million per year and the School is recognised internationally for its research quality and output and for commecialisation of discoveries.
Biomolecular research in SCMB spans the range from small synthetic molecules through proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and microorganisms. Materials research encompasses the design and synthesis of molecular devices, funtional polymers and nanomaterials as key strengths.
Exciting Research
Our coherent integration of molecular, biological and chemical science in the one School is unique in Australia and has been valuable in enabling us to take a leading role in a number of interdisciplinary areas.
The School's current research themes are listed here. These themes and the way they are expressed are being reviewed by the School in the first half of 2009.
World Renowned Staff
School staff regularly contribute to international conferences and journals, provide expert consulting services and work extensively with government and industry on a wide variety of projects. Amongst the more than 120 equivalent full-time staff engaged in research are the holders of prestigous fellowships:
Enabling Facilities
Significant investment has been made in recent years in the refurbishment of many of our research laboratories and in the acquisition of specialised scientific equipment. Read more here.
Collaboration and Industry Relevance
A number of SCMB staff hold joint appointments with the Queensland Institute for Medical Research, the Institute for Molecular Biosciences, the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the Queensland Brain Institute. UQ research institutes and centres with which SCMB has links can be viewed
here.
SCMB research has led to the filing of more than 40 patents and the creation of a number of spin-off companies including:
- Alchemia - using expertise in chemistry to discover and develop human thearpeutic products.
- Biochip Innovations - bioinformatic diagnostic solutions.
- Impedimed - pioneering the use of next generation bioimpedance spectroscopy techhnology.
- Neurotide - creating the next generation of pain killers based on the body’s own natural pain killer, endomorphin.
- Replikun Biotech Ltd - building vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.
- TetraQ - offering preclinical services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Future Materials is an AusIndustry sponsored, non-profit network linking industry with research providers in the area of manufacturing materials technology. SCMB is involved in the Queensland node, based at the
Brisbane Surface Analysis Facility. SCMB is also involved in the
Australian Nanotechnology Alliance, an industry-led, research supported membership-based alliance representing the full spectrum of the nanotechnology eco-system.
Organisations with which SCMB currently partners on Australian Research Council Linkage Grant research include:
- Panbio Ltd - developing innovative tests for the diagnosis of infectious disease.
- Agrichem - Australia's leading liquid fertiliser manufacturer.
- Queensland Musuem - enriching and enlivening Queensland communities.
Opportunities for industry partners are explained
here.
SCMB researchers are actively involved in a number of professional societies and provide services to Government and public sector organisations.
Research Student and Staff Opportunities
The School is committed to attracting the best staff and students to participate in its growing research endeavours.
Prospective research higher degree (RHD) students can learn more about opportunities available to them here. Tuition fee waivers are available to outstanding international RHD students for selected, funded research projects. Professional development opportunities are available to RHD students, including student symposia and travel to attend conferences.