Our teaching and research advances the frontiers of the chemical and physical sciences to solve real-world challenges.

We specialise in research covering diverse topics, including:

  • studies of particles, fields and radiation and their interaction with matter
  • the design, synthesis, characterisation and study of the properties of molecules and materials
  • the implementation of these molecules and materials in various applications.

Our outcomes have included finding cheaper and efficient materials for storing renewable energy, and determining the elasticity of crystals down to the atomic level.

Our research

Surface Science and 2D Materials

The Surface Science and 2D Materials Group investigates matter on the nano-scale to design and engineer 2D materials that have applications in electronics, energy, environmental and sensing technologies.

Our surface science and 2D materials research

Molecular Recognition and Sensors

The Molecular Recognition & Sensors team is a multi-disciplinary research group interested in the development and application of nanotechnology for identification and quantification of selected analytes.

Our molecular recognition and sensors research

MACROARC Soft Matter Materials Group

Established in 2008, and now calling Brisbane home, the MACROARC lab houses over 40 active researchers in the field of synthetic and physical polymer material science.

Learn more about MACROARC

Inorganic Nanomaterials Lab

The Golberg Group at QUT designs inorganic nanomaterials for structural and green energy applications.

More about our Inorganic Nanomaterials Lab

National Battery Testing Centre

The National Battery Testing Centre (NBTC) was established at the Queensland University of Technology to test multiple types and sizes of battery systems in real-world conditions for Australian applications.

More about the National Battery Testing Centre

Medicinal Molecules and Materials Group

The Medicinal Molecules and Materials Group is a collaborative team of organic, medicinal and polymer chemists, looking to understand how precision chemistry can be used to solve clinical health problems.

More about the Medicinal Molecules and Materials Group

Our research partnerships

We're working with you to find solutions to your problems. Reach result through a collaborative partnership with our experienced research experts who make active contributions to their fields.

Our partnerships

Learning and teaching experience

Our chemistry and physics courses have a strong applied emphasis so our students spend a significant amount of time in laboratories developing extensive practical skills.

Browse our courses

Our staff

Associate Professor James Blinco
Position
Head of School, Chemistry and Physics
School
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Organic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Email
Distinguished Professor Dmitri Golberg
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Nanotechnology
Condensed matter physics
Inorganic chemistry
Email
Professor John McMurtrie
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Inorganic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Email
Professor Dongchen Qi
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Condensed matter physics
Nanotechnology
Materials engineering
Email
Professor Prashant Sonar
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Nanotechnology
Other chemical sciences
Email
Professor Ziqi Sun
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Materials engineering
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Nanotechnology
Email
Professor Eric Waclawik
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Physical chemistry
Materials engineering
Chemical engineering
Email

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News and events

Biotechnology study options boosted at QUT
2 Oct 2026

Biotechnology study options boosted at QUT

Two new biotechnology majors have been introduced by QUT in recognition of its critical role in addressing some of the world's most pressing current and future challenges.

QUT researchers celebrated at Women in Technology Awards
29 Sep 2026

QUT researchers celebrated at Women in Technology Awards

Two researchers and educators from the QUT Faculty of Science have been honoured for their groundbreaking work at the 2026 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards, held Friday night in Brisbane.

Too much emotion in digital marketing reduces sales: QUT research
8 Sep 2026

Too much emotion in digital marketing reduces sales: QUT research

PhD researcher Sichen Meng has won the QUT 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition with her presentation “More Likes, Fewer Sales: Helping Small Sellers Turn Attention into Purchases”, which found more attention did not equal more sales.

Contact us

Contact the School of Chemistry and Physics for more information on our courses, research and staff.