Research overview

Laser alignment
Chemistry research at UVic
Our research is based on the recognition that the exciting challenges in chemistry require new approaches that cross the traditional subdisciplines. We still teach introductory undergraduate courses using titles like analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry, but our research focus areas and the techniques we use to explore and create within them stretch and blur the traditional discipline boundaries.
Our research groups:
- explore the interactions of molecules at surfaces to gain insights into biomedical materials, fuel cells, or to develop exquisitely sensitive sensors
- exploit the power and speed of lasers to probe reaction kinetics and dynamics in systems ranging from the heavy hydrocarbons from oil sands to the migration of electronic information in spintronic materials
- control the growth and the organization of spins, dyes, semiconductors, and luminescent centers within polymers and nanocrystals
- design, synthesize, and evaluate new catalysts and new bioactive compounds based on novel insights from NMR, mass spectrometry, and bioassays
Explore our research topics and techniques and learn more about faculty research interests.
We’ll be happy to discuss our research with you directly - just contact us.
News & Events
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50th Anniversary Reunion
- Join us September 28-30 to celebrate 50 years of Great Chemistry (pdf).
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Congratulations to Professor Frank van Veggel, inaugural (2012) winner of the CSC's Award for Research Excellence in Materials Chemistry.
- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards: Applications due January 31.
Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Award: Applications due February 15. -

Enter our competition to get a photo you've taken on the cover of one of the first year lecture books, and win some great prizes! 3 grand prizes and 15 winners in total. See the flyer for details (pdf). - Fall 2011 (pdf).
Spend a summer on Canada's beautiful West Coast!
Photo competition!
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