Products developed in materials research often have great commercial significance. The main research interests in radiochemistry are environmental radioactivity and the safe handling and disposal of nuclear waste. Areas of special interest are the behaviour of radionuclides in the soil and bedrock, the environmental chemistry of elements heavier than uranium and ion exchange methods for radioactive and industrial waste. Spectroscopy investigates the movement, chemical reactions and structure of molecules using laser, infrared and NMR spectroscopy. Experimental work is often supported by computational methods, such as ab initio calculations of quantum chemistry.
Environmental research includes the spectroscopy of atmospheric chemistry and combustion.
Areas of special interest in synthetic and organic chemistry are physiologically active substances, such as phytoestrogens. Research in this area may have a significant impact on the treatment and prevention of cancer and cardio-vascular diseases. A widely used modern method in organic synthesis is computer-assisted synthesis planning. Theoretical chemistry is primarily related to computational chemistry, which plays an important role in many research activities of the Department. Topical research interests include the theoretical study of heavy metals using relativistic quantum mechanics and purely numerical calculations.