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
Professor Jingsan Xu
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Atomic, molecular and optical physics
Nanotechnology
Email
Professor Huai Yong Zhu
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Physical chemistry
Chemical engineering
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Email
Professor Leonie Barner
Position
Principal Research Fellow
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Other chemical sciences
Physical chemistry
Email
Professor Zhigang Chen
Position
ARC Future Fellow
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Materials engineering
Condensed matter physics
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Email
Associate Professor Andrew Fielding
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Other physical sciences
Oncology and carcinogenesis
Email
Associate Professor Hendrik Frisch
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
School of Chemistry & Physics
Research fields
Macromolecular and materials chemistry
Organic chemistry
Email

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News and events

QUT and PNG strengthen partnership through technology and research MoU
10 Jul 2026

QUT and PNG strengthen partnership through technology and research MoU

QUT and the Papua New Guinea Government have extended an ongoing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support education, digital capability, research and innovation initiatives across PNG.

QUT and Doomadgee community build foundations for ongoing collaboration
10 Jul 2026

QUT and Doomadgee community build foundations for ongoing collaboration

A group of QUT academics and students have this week visited the Queensland outback town of Doomadgee in a step towards future closer connections by first immersing themselves in culture to gain a greater understanding of community priorities.

Real futures: Year 11s & 12s dream big at QUT summit
7 Jul 2026

Real futures: Year 11s & 12s dream big at QUT summit

A four-day university summit at QUT in Brisbane has inspired curiosity, ignited passion and deepened understanding of possible career pathways for 305 high school students from 148 schools across Brisbane, Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Contact us

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