Inorganic chemistry at uOttawa targets the multiple fronts facing environmental, health and economic challenges: next-generation materials to build and shape our world; catalyst technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical manufacturing; greener routes to specialty chemicals and new materials, from molecular magnets and optical nanomaterials to porous materials for CO2 capture and catalysis. Join our leading research groups and use your curiosity and energy to build a better, faster, more sustainable world.

From small-molecule drugs to alternative fuels and everything in between, organic chemistry can help tackle the most important problems facing society. Researchers at uOttawa are making discoveries in bioorganic chemistry, synthetic materials, total synthesis, reaction development, physical organic chemistry, and more.

Physical chemistry research answers the “why and how” of chemistry at the molecular level, with research spanning advanced spectrometric techniques: NMR (materials and biological systems), mass spectrometry (ion chemistry), surface science methods (biomass utilization, green catalysis, sensors), photochemistry (for nanostructured materials and catalysis), photonics and photoelectron spectroscopy. Computational research includes big data and machine learning approaches to develop new materials and catalysts.

• CHEMISTRY EDUCATION research leverages chemistry expertise and educational research methods to study student learning, identify learner challenges, and improve student learning and experiences by developing learning tools, pedagogical methods, curricula.
• BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY is centred on developing new diagnostics and therapeutics using nucleic acid aptamers, studying biomolecular interactions with mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis and flow cytometry.
• Research in FLOW CHEMISTRY aims to improve the sustainability of fine chemical manufacturing, such as in the synthesis of drugs.
• Several groups are active in MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, and engage in collaborative efforts.
• CATALYSIS is also a major area of strength. We have 48 research groups across the faculties of Engineering, Medicine and Science pursuing research in this area. Visit the Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation (CCRI) website to learn more.
• Interested in MATERIALS research? Be sure to visit the CAMAR (Centre for Advanced Materials Research), which encompasses 33 research groups!
• Adjunct/cross-appointed professors pursue research at the Ottawa Heart Institute, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the National Research Council and Health Canada.