Department of Chemistry

One of the premier chemistry departments in the world, a hothouse for innovation and an international beacon for research and teaching.

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Why chemistry at Imperial?

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Ranked No.3 in the UK QS World University Subject Rankings
Ranked No.4 in Europe QS World University Subject Rankings
Ranked No.11 in the World QS World University Subject Rankings
2 Nobel Prizes Nobel Prizes in Chemistry
GOLD Athena Swan Award
Ranked No.3 in the UK Research Excellence Framework 2021

Welcome to the department

We are dedicated to delivering excellence in chemistry teaching and pioneering research. As one of the largest departments in the UK, we take pride in our diverse community of staff, students, research fellows and industry partners.

Our department spans the historic Chemistry Building at South Kensington and the Molecular Sciences Research Hub in White City. We nurture talent and foster academic excellence, ensuring our students and staff thrive. Home to 600 researchers, we offer a vibrant community and unique industry links. Connect with over 300 SMEs and multinationals around our White City campus for an enriching and rewarding journey, with unparalleled career opportunities and hands-on experience.

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Thinking of studying with us?

We offer a range of undergraduate, Master’s and PhD programmes, all designed to connect you with leading chemists who are dedicated to providing a positive and supportive environment.

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Thinking of partnering with us?

We collaborate widely on fundamental and applied research, offering unique opportunities for internal and external researchers to co-locate, access facilities and work jointly.

Collaborate with us

Thinking of working with us?

Our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an environment of academic excellence ensures that our students and staff thrive in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Job vacancies

Molecular Sciences Research Hub

Science

Molecular Sciences Research Hub

This £200M facility is a beacon of innovation and colocation. Our academics and industry partners are pioneering advancements in areas such as energy, healthcare and sustainability.

Find out more about MSRH

Useful links

Academic staff

Discover our academic and teaching staff, and their research interests.

Outreach

Our mission is to deliver excellent outreach activities to school and college students.

Postgraduate study

Find out more about our Master's and PhD opportunities.

Research facilities

Discover our state-of-the-art facilities, providing opportunities for world-class chemical research.

Research themes

Research in the Department of Chemistry is split into seven research themes.

Undergraduate study

Explore our undergraduate courses and opportunities.

Latest news

More news
  • news

Exploring Molecular Glues: Insights from the Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson Lecture

07 November 2024
  • news

AI-enhanced ‘sound sieve’ wins Imperial’s undergraduate innovation competition

06 November 2024
  • news

Guest lecture by Matoha’s Dr Martin Holicky inspires huge turnout

03 October 2024
  • news

Year 12 Taster Day 2024

17 September 2024

Research themes

Synthesis and catalysis

This theme addresses challenges in synthetic chemistry and catalysis with the aim of developing fast, selective and clean chemical processes.

Chemical biology and healthcare

The Development and Application of Novel Methods, Tools, Chemical Entities and Technologies for the benefit of healthcare and healthcare research.

Environmental and green chemistry

The theme focuses on all aspects of sustainable Chemistry including efficient use of resources, agri-chemistry, green syntheses, efficient recycling.

Energy

The development and study of new molecules, materials and devices with tailored chemistry for energy generation, storage, transmission and usage.

Imaging, sensing and analytical chemistry

The forefront of detecting, sensing and imaging both molecules and complex assemblies. A strong basis of novel technology and technique development.

Materials and molecular design

This theme addresses the challenges of the nanoscale design of materials from atoms to bulk properties.

Theoretical, computational and data-driven chemistry

All areas of modern chemistry, including computational chemistry and modelling; theoretical chemistry and data-driven approachesto chemistry.

Getting here

Information for visitors on how and where to find us across our two campus locations.

Events

All events
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  • Symposium

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CPE Photochemistry Symposium

Royal College of Science (RCS1), South Kensington Campus
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  • Workshop

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CPE workshop on OPV and OPD

Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus
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  • Symposium

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CPE Christmas Symposium 2024

Skempton Building, South Kensington Campus
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  • Open days

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Postgraduate (Master’s) Virtual Open Day – Chemistry

Online only