Chemical Physics & Spectroscopy
The chemical physics group at Sussex has an international reputation for outstanding and innovative research; one member of the group, Professor Sir Harold Kroto, received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1996. Particular research strengths are the study of clusters and cluster dynamics, gas-phase molecular dynamics and solid-state chemistry.

Fullerenes & Nanotubes
The elegant molecule C60 Buckminsterfullerene - the third form of Carbon - was discovered in a joint Sussex / Rice research programme. The term Nanotechnology has since become synonymous with multidisciplinary chemical, physical and biological approaches in nano-scale materials science. As a result the group has also developed significant research activity in areas other than Fullerenes and is now known as the Sussex Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Centre (SNNC).

Organic Synthesis & Reactions
The strong presence of Sussex in organic chemistry has resulted in the discovery and control of reactive organic intermediaries that produce new and incisive synthetic techniques. These are applied to a variety of goals, a principal aim being the control of stereochemistry in organic synthesis.

Organometallic Chemistry
Sussex is a major international centre of excellence in organometallic chemistry. Researchers are directed towards the synthesis and structural characterisation of novel compounds, the development of new reaction mechanisms, and the use of organometallic compounds in organic synthesis including homogeneous catalysis.

Polymer Science
The polymer science group has a wide range of interests in both the synthesis and application of polymers. The largest activity is the synthesis and solution behaviour of water-soluble block copolymers. Other work includes mechanisms of polymerisation, block copolymer micelles, polymers for biomedical applications, polymer nanocomposites, conducting polymers and polymer degradation and stablisation.