"The UNC Chemistry culture of respect among the faculty for one another is perhaps our greatest asset because we can work together for common goals that are good for all. This contributes to the great congenial, collaborative environment we provide for development of independent student scholars."
Dr. Royce Murray,
Kenan Professor of Chemistry
We conduct research in all areas of modern chemistry:
Our research program is one of the strongest in the country with more than 300 publications published annually and over 100 patents filed within last 10 years. Our research has led to number of significant scientific discoveries. Current faculty bring over $18 million in external funding into the department annually and have extensive collaborations with industry and other academic research institutions. For more comprehensive summary of research accomplishments please see our research section.
Graduate students usually select a research advisor in their first semester after exploring in detail the opportunities available. For more information about the individual faculty research please visit our faculty by research interest page.
Our state-of-the-art facilities play an important role in supporting the active research of the department and are extensively utilized by current graduate students. With approximately 120,000 square feet, Caudill Laboratories provides substantial research laboratory and office space for the nation's number one program in analytical chemistry and the top 15 overall department of chemistry, according to U.S. News & World Report; adding to existing space in Kenan Laboratories and Morehead Laboratories.
Venable Hall, home to the chemistry department since 1925, was demolished in late 2007 and early 2008 and two new buildings are now under construction in its place. "New Venable" and a building yet to be named will house the chemistry library, classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, conference rooms and the Marine Sciences department.