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.
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.
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.
Inorganic Nanomaterials Lab
The Golberg Group at QUT designs inorganic nanomaterials for structural and green energy applications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our facilities
Our staff
- Position
- Head of School, Chemistry and Physics
- School
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- j.blinco@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Materials engineering
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- ziqi.sun@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Physical chemistry
- Materials engineering
- Chemical engineering
- e.waclawik@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- Atomic, molecular and optical physics
- Nanotechnology
- jingsan.xu@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Physical chemistry
- Chemical engineering
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- hy.zhu@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Principal Research Fellow
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- Other chemical sciences
- Physical chemistry
- leonie.barner@qut.edu.au
- Position
- ARC Future Fellow
- Division / Faculty
- School of Chemistry & Physics
- Research fields
- Materials engineering
- Condensed matter physics
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- zhigang.chen@qut.edu.au
News and events
Grads making a difference honoured at 2026 QUT Outstanding Alumni Awards
From improving Indigenous health outcomes and advancing space exploration to transforming women's football, championing inclusion and creating globally acclaimed works of art, 12 exceptional QUT graduates have been recognised at the 2026 QUT Outstanding Alumni Awards.
Bushfire smoke increasingly impacting Queensland city air quality: QUT study
Bushfire smoke is affecting Queensland urban air quality more often and more severely than previously understood, with new QUT-led research revealing bushfire-impacted hours have almost tripled in recent years, increasing health risks for communities.
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.
Contact us
Contact the School of Chemistry and Physics for more information on our courses, research and staff.