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Research partnerships

Our researchers are generating knowledge that is helping to develop sustainable technologies for energy production, improve healthcare, understand and limit anthropogenic climate change, and ensure clean drinking water for all.

Our research groups have worked on projects with many major organisations, including AstraZeneca, BP, Cytec, DuPont, GSK, Henkel, Johnson Matthey, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Syngenta and Unilever.

We want society to benefit from our research, both locally and globally. Therefore, we are always interested in new opportunities to collaborate with external scientists and organisations.

Contact us if you’re interested in collaborating
Scientist wearing a face mask and carrying out an experiment

Host our placement students

All our chemistry undergraduates have the opportunity to carry out an industrial placement year. Our location in the heart of the Thames Valley means there are many potential host companies on our doorstep, although some of our students go further afield or even abroad.

In recent years, placements have included GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Procter & Gamble, Johnson Matthey, Syngenta, BP Castrol, AkzoNobel, 3M, COTY (Rimmel), Alchemy Ingredients and NASA.

Contact us if you’re interested in hosting our placement students
We have a long-term relationship with the University of Reading. Placement students from Reading are always excellent and are prepared with the right skills for the project. The whole scheme really works for us – they can come in and do relevant work that needs doing.
Caroline Recardo, Technical Director of placement host Alchemy Ingredients
Scientist pouring liquid into a beaker

Outreach and working with schools

Our Department works closely with schools to inspire the next generation of chemists. We run a number of outreach programmes designed to promote and enrich chemistry topics taught in schools. 

Person using lab equipment in the Chemical Analysis Facility

Access the Chemical Analysis Facility

Some of the instruments in our Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) are available for scientists outside the University to access. There are a number of services on offer, and the potential for collaboration.

Join our Department

If you’d like to work with us in the Department of Chemistry, explore our PhD opportunities or search our current vacancies at the University.
Close-up of a crystal
Abstract image of a molecule

Our research

Our research is driven by our desire to help solve some of society’s greatest scientific challenges. 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Chemistry) and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3*submissions – Chemistry).

Science equipment in a lab

Our research stories

Our staff are leaders in their fields and active in research. Find out how our academics and research students are making a difference.

Close-up of scientist's hands on a microscope

Our staff

Learn about the academics in our Department and find out about their research interests.
Athena SWAN Silver Award