Chemistry - Research

Research activity within the School of Chemistry involves over sixty postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers in four main research clusters:



Functional molecules and materials

This cluster involves the development of new biomaterials for innovative drug delivery systems and of new bioactive compounds as potential therapeutics for cancer and influenza.



Green Chemistry

Research in this cluster in concerned with developing the fuels and green chemistry of the future. Research in this cluster includes the Combustion Research Centre, the Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory and Green Chemistry.



Analytical Chemistry

This group is developing new analytical methods for applications such as as bio-pharma production.

Candidates for the degree of PhD or MSc by research must have reached a high honours standard (minimum H2.2 [or equivalent international qualification] for an MSc) at the examination for the primary degree or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of his/her fitness.

Course Code: MSC-CHEM

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Course Code: MSC-CHEM



MSc, full-time and part-time

Research Areas


Advancing Medicine through Chemical Discovery: This research involves the development of new biomaterials for innovative drug delivery systems, new magnetic materials, and of new bioactive compounds as potential therapeutics for areas such as cancer and infection. There are strengths in biomolecular chemistry, including drug design, synthesis and chemical biology.


Green Chemistry and Energy: Research is concerned with developing the fuels and green chemistry of the future. There are projects in Combustion, Biomolecular Electronics, Energy and environmentally friendly synthesis.


Analytical Chemistry: This research is concerned with the development of new analytical methods for monitoring bio-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical production. The School has strengths in synthesis, structure determination, theoretical and computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry.