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EaStCHEM Research School

Chemistry plays an essential role in developing innovative solutions to some of the key challenges faced by modern society. EaStCHEM's world-leading research expertise impacts in key areas such as sustainability, energy, and the effective management of societal resources.

The Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh formed EaStCHEM in 2004 to combine the research activities of two of Scotland’s leading schools of chemistry. EaStCHEM is now recognised for excellence in both core and interdisciplinary chemistry with its wide-ranging research themes reflecting the relevance of modern chemistry in solving important global challenges and improving lives.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), EaStCHEM’s excellence across research and impact was rewarded by >99% of our research outputs being assessed as either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, and 100% of our impact case studies being assessed as “outstanding” or “very considerable”. We are one of only three chemistry submissions to achieve a 100% “world-leading” score for our research environment.

The strength and ethos of EaStCHEM is particularly evident in the complementary instrumentation provided by both schools of chemistry resulting in the provision of exceptional state of the art facilities and instrumentation.

A molecular structure under high pressure
Our research covers a number of themes. Explore them all in this section.
Front cover of air quality report
Read more about the impact of EaStCHEM research on society
Member of staff looking at a molecule
Contact details and profiles for our research staff members.
Researcher using an x-ray crystallography machine
The School of Chemistry has a wide range of research facilities. Along with our EaStCHEM partners at St Andrews we provide state-of-the-art instrumentation across all of our research areas.
Researcher in a lab
The School of Chemistry has a number of routes open to early career researchers.
The Brewster statue reflected in the Joseph Black building entrance
Mid-career and senior scientists based in external academic institutions or industry are encouraged to spend time in the School to develop research collaboration with our academic staff.
Students outside the Joseph Black building
The College has developed a Research Ethics and Integrity framework that suits its disciplines. The School of Chemistry follows this framework.
Banner showing chemical flask and microscope image
This blog explores the role of chemists in society by showcasing the science conducted within the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.