Professor Oren Scherman’s research group at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, has developed a material that can detect subtle changes in the body, such as an arthritis flare-up, and release drugs exactly where and when they are needed.
The Duer group have found a way to stop brain cancer cells spreading by essentially ‘freezing’ a key molecule in the brain. The finding could pave the way for a new type of treatment for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
Recent research has unveiled a new mechanism that explains how carbon dioxide (CO₂) can react directly at water’s surface instead of fully dissolving first. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of ocean acidification.
The legacies of two well-loved Department supervisors, Martin Mays and Jim Staunton, remain vivid for many who worked alongside them. Four alumni reflect on how their experiences during this pivotal period continue to influence their lives today.
Cambridge Chemistry Race successfully finishes for the 6th time
Volunteers for the Chemistry Race, courtesy of the Chemistry Race.
We opened our doors to nearly 300 sixth-formers this February for the 6th Cambridge Chemistry Race, an international competition that tests understanding of chemistry principles… all under a time limit.
Olivia Dovernor built a 3D fluorescence microscopy system during her PhD in the Lee Lab and the Scherman Group, pioneering new ways to map gel network structures and track molecular diffusion.
We threw our doors open for the Cambridge Festival with an Open Day that was bigger, better and more squelchy than ever with activities throughout all the teaching laboratories and amazing lectures from our scientists.
Prof.Robert Mokaya OBE FRS did his PhD in Prof. Bill Jones’ Group and has recently been elected as the next President of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
The Chemistry Sustainability Committee hosted a conversation between Dr Svetlana Menkin from our Department and Dr Spencer Brennan from Neutreeno, a company that helps large companies reduce their carbon emissions.
Cambridge Chemistry Department Coaches Lead UK Students to Success at International Olympiad (IChO) – Dubai 25 July 2025
Text curated by Dr Fiorella Dell'Olio. Image taken at the Closing Ceremony. Front row from the left: Joseph Wong, Jerry Zhang, Julian Ho and Zesang Li. Back row from the left: Alex Thom, Ben Pilgrim, JL Kiappes, Richard Danylyuk and Sky Kang.
Four of the UK’s most promising young chemists earned top honours at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai this month, under the mentorship of Prof. Alex Thom and Richard Danylyuk a PhD student – both from the Department of Chemistry.
The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry is pleased to share that Professor Chiara Giorio has been featured in the latest Chemistry World article titled "Carbon in an Ice World” by Victoria Atkinson.
Choy Boy and Siobhan Johnson were recipients of Yusuf Hamied Studentships for their PhDs. Three years later, they share their achievements and aspirations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible across disciplines such as drug discovery and molecular research. Here are some examples of how AI is transforming research in our Department.
Dr Timothy Dickens FRSC, Head of IT at the Chemistry Department, is retiring after 17 years. If you’ve ever emailed IT and received a ticket in response, you’ve taken part in one of Tim’s earliest projects in our department.
