The ability to design, synthesise, characterise and study the properties of new molecules and materials underpins a huge range of research, in the UK and internationally.

This provides excellent opportunities to fund dynamic initiatives that offer a step-change in properties and capabilities, such as:

• New discoveries for pharmaceuticals (which are essentially giant molecules), providing affordable healthcare to the world and combating emerging disease
• New materials with better properties, which can make products smaller, lighter, stronger and smarte
• New materials needed to generate and store energy

Our research

Warwick has an impressive reputation for research into molecules and materials across the whole length scale – from understanding individual atoms on surfaces, through assembling giant molecules, discovering new functional and structural materials, up to creating composites and biological tissue.
We have developed excellent analytical science and characterisation tools and techniques for the study of all types of molecules and materials, many of which are easily accessed and supported through the RTPs. We also have one of the biggest computational materials cohorts in the country.
Our research spans all aspects of the design, synthesis, and discovery of novel molecules and materials. This includes the analysis and understanding of their (often unique) properties, identifying potential applications, and demonstrating proof-of-principle.
In some cases, we would then examine the scale-up and manufacturing of products, whether that is a new drug or a new biodegradable plastic. These products have a host of valuable applications, such as:

• Catalysts
• New medicines, and other biologically active molecules
• Energy-generating solar cells
• Materials with new optical, magnetic and electronic properties
• Structural building materials