School of Molecular Sciences
From atomic interactions to complex biological systems
UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences educates the leaders of tomorrow and generates translatable, practical solutions to key global problems in chemical sciences, molecular plant sciences, medicine and health, and future materials.
Research and education in the School spans the fields of chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, ’omics, nanotechnology, molecular materials, computation, synthetic biology and systems biology. Our work supports important collaborations with international partners, industry, hospitals and community stakeholders, generating high quality publications, patents and spin-out companies.
Based in UWA’s iconic Bayliss Building, the School supports a vibrant, multidisciplinary community pursuing high-quality research-led education and industry engagement. Our undergraduate programs provide world-class training in fundamental science, framed in terms of applied problem solving and transferable skill sets, whilst our honours, masters and PhD level programs prepare you for exciting opportunities in and beyond the chemical and biomolecular sciences.
For more about the School, visit our Twitter account.
Our research
We offer research opportunities across all areas of molecular science, including chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, molecular genetics and nanotechnology.
Multidisciplinary research hubs
The School of Molecular Sciences is home to internationally recognised research centres and initiatives. Our chemical and molecular research lay the foundation for high-impact science aimed at solving the challenges of the modern world.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology is a national research centre of 180 researchers and students focused on better understanding the way in which plants interconvert forms of chemical energy in response to environmental change.
Read moreHartmann Human Lactation Research Group
Human milk is a diverse fluid containing macronutrients, vitamins, hormones and live cells uniquely tailored for the human infant. Myriad health benefits, both short and long-term are conferred to both the mother and infant via human milk and lactation. Further early nutrition is implicated in the 'Developmental origins of Health and Disease' (DoHaD).
Read moreCourses
Industry and community partnerships
- iCeutica
- Visit the iCeutica website
- Medela
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Medela is a global leader in the development and production of breast milk feeding products and solutions.
Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson and headquartered in Switzerland, Medela is today led by his son Michael Larsson and consists of 18 subsidiaries located throughout Europe, North America and Asia.
As a research-based company Medela invests in basic and exploratory research in partnership with leading scientists, medical professionals and universities around the world, and uses these research results in the development of its breastfeeding products and solutions.
Since 1996 Medela has fostered a rewarding research partnership with Emeritus Professor Peter Hartmann and Associate Professor Donna Geddes from our School.
This collaboration has provided for: 16 full or partial PhD scholarships; 84 peer reviewed journal articles; 21 book chapters; 195 conference abstracts, and has made a significant impact on our understanding of mammary gland function and human lactation.
- Proteomics International
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Proteomics International is a medical technology company focused on proteomics – the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Established in 2001, the company received the world’s first ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation for proteomics services, and operates from state-of-the art facilities at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth. Proteomics International operates in three integrated areas unified by its proprietary proteomics-based technology platform: Diagnostics, Peptide drug discovery and Analytical services (specialising in biosimilars and biologics). Strategic collaborations are also in place between the company and UWA to encourage the translation of scientific research into industry, and maximise the capacity of technology and facilities.
- Australian Vanadium Ltd
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Australian Vanadium Ltd (ASX:AVL) is a vertically-integrated battery metals company focussing on energy storage. AVL is progressing the greenfield 'Gabanintha' vanadium deposit, south of Meekatharra in Western Australia. It is also exploring a lithium deposit in South Africa.
Vanadium is traditionally used to strengthen steel, but emerging demand is coming from the energy storage market.
Vanadium in electrolyte solution is used in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRB) to store energy. AVL is utilising laboratory space at UWA to electrochemically produce and analytically test vanadium electrolyte with staff and students. In collaboration with the University the company aims to research commercial advancements in vanadium storage. AVL’s subsidiary, VSUN Energy, sold and commissioned WA’s first VRB.
- Pharmaxis
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Pharmaxis is a publicly listed Australian pharmaceutical research company with a portfolio including two respiratory products approved in various world markets and an established research pipeline focused on areas of high unmet clinical need in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
Pharmaxis collaborates with UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences and School of Biological Sciences on neuroinflammation.
This project is combining Pharmaxis' knowledge in developing anti-inflammatory drugs with UWA experience in in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation.
Pharmaxis research laboratories and purpose-built manufacturing facilities are located at the company's headquarters in Sydney.
- Perth Mint
- Visit the Perth Mint website
Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation
The Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation was founded in 2013 and is the only foundation worldwide with a prime focus on promoting and supporting human milk and breastfeeding. Based in Zug, Switzerland, it is an independent, charitable organisation founded in an effort to fulfil the family's vision of a world in which every child is granted an optimum start in life through the benefits of human milk.
Find out moreThe Bayliss Building
The Bayliss Building provides outstanding research facilities for its staff including fully appointed chemistry and molecular biology research labs, first-class teaching facilities and the following major equipment platforms:
Higher Degree by Research opportunities and projects
Students who are interested in research projects should visit the Higher Degree by Research Application Portal and browse the Project Opportunities section.
All current projects and their supervisors are available in this Portal. This includes PhD and Master by research projects and scholarships. You can search by research areas or a specific school, see available scholarships and contact prospective supervisors. You can also directly contact a potential supervisor using the discipline links (above).
Join us
Our students and staff are essential to the School’s ongoing success. We provide access to high-quality training through honours and master’s programs (see above under Courses). Prospective PhD students, postdoctoral fellows or staff members should contact us or view the links below.
News
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Funding gives plants in space a growth boost
Mon, 8 Apr 2024
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Research on the Record: meet Anna Faber
Tue, 19 Mar 2024
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13 academics named highly cited researchers for 2023
Wed, 15 Nov 2023
