Research

Chemistry plays an essential role in developing innovative solutions to some of the key challenges faced by modern society. EaStCHEM's world-leading research expertise impacts in key areas such as sustainability, energy, and the effective management of societal resources.

Chemistry plays an essential role in developing innovative solutions to some of the key challenges faced by modern society. EaStCHEM's world-leading research expertise impacts in key areas such as sustainability, energy, and the effective management of societal resources.

The Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh formed EaStCHEM in 2004 to combine the research activities of two of Scotland’s leading schools of chemistry. EaStCHEM is now recognised for excellence in both core and interdisciplinary chemistry with its wide-ranging research themes reflecting the relevance of modern chemistry in solving important global challenges and improving lives.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), EaStCHEM’s excellence across research and impact was rewarded by >99% of our research outputs being assessed as either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, and 100% of our impact case studies being assessed as “outstanding” or “very considerable”. We are one of only three chemistry submissions to achieve a 100% “world-leading” score for our research environment.

The strength and ethos of EaStCHEM is particularly evident in the complementary instrumentation provided by both schools of chemistry resulting in the provision of exceptional state of the art facilities and instrumentation.

A large molecule

Our research covers a number of themes. Explore them all in this section.

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Read more about the impact of EaStCHEM research on society

An academic looking at a molecule

Contact details and profiles for our research staff members.

A scientific instrument in use

The School of Chemistry has a wide range of research facilities. Along with our EaStCHEM partners at St Andrews we provide state-of-the-art instrumentation across all of our research areas.

Researcher in a lab

The School of Chemistry has a number of routes open to early career researchers.

A statue reflected in a doorway

Mid-career and senior scientists based in external academic institutions or industry are encouraged to spend time in the School to develop research collaboration with our academic staff.

Students entering the Chemistry building

The College has developed a Research Ethics and Integrity framework that suits its disciplines. The School of Chemistry follows this framework.

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This blog explores the role of chemists in society by showcasing the science conducted within the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.