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Professor Timothy Schmidt

Head of School

Welcome to the School of Chemistry!

Chemistry is at the centre of everything that involves atoms. Chemistry underpins renewable energy, from materials for solar cells to lithium-ion batteries and catalysts for green hydrogen. Chemistry is behind modern medicines and vaccines, promoting long and healthy lives, and allows us to study biology in more detail. Chemistry is also happening all around us on Earth and in Space. Understanding chemistry is key to protecting and enhancing our natural environment. But most of all, chemistry is extremely fun, interesting, and rewarding.

The School tackles the world’s most pressing challenges and has done since 1879. We were inaugurated at the Sydney Technical College with one academic and one laboratory and were a founding school at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç in 1949. We are now a powerhouse of chemistry on the international stage.

Are you fresh from high school or ready to start a Masters or PhD? Or are you an industry partner looking for an agile, insightful and well-equipped research partner? Whoever you are, you have a home here at the School of Chemistry.

Our undergraduate programs provide a solid foundation in chemistry while preparing you to make societal impact; the Advanced Science program offers more challenging chemistry, and the Medicinal Chemistry program allows you to benefit from the strong links between chemistry and medicine. Our 180 PhD students undertake world-leading research with impact in health, energy and the environment, and graduate into amazing jobs in Australia and around the world.

Beyond academics, student life thrives at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Chemistry. The Students of Chemistry Society (SOCS) fosters both academic engagement and vibrant social experiences, ensuring students connect beyond the classroom, while our ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Chemical Society (est. 1913) attracts the brightest minds from around the world to share insights through our named lectureship series.

Ranked among the top 50 globally in QS rankings and top 100 in the Times Higher Education rankings, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Chemistry delivers world-class expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry and research collaborations.

No matter your background or aspirations, the School of Chemistry offers a place for you to thrive. Whether you’re starting your journey as a student or investing in the future through research and industry partnerships, there’s a place for you at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Chemistry.

  - Professor Timothy Schmidt
 Head of School