A laser fires a pulse lasting a few femtoseconds at a molecule, and high-speed cameras track exactly what happens next—how bonds break, how energy flows, and how new molecules form. This project studies the atomic-level choreography behind chemical reactions and light-driven processes. While chemists often know what goes into a reaction and what comes out, the crucial intermediate steps remain a black box. Understanding those steps matters for phenomena as varied as atmospheric chemistry, combustion, catalysis, and the design of sunscreens and photodynamic therapies for cancer. The research is fundamental science. It does not aim to produce a marketable product. But past work in chemical dynamics has already shaped everything from more efficient engines to better UV filters. A deeper grasp of how molecules move and react could eventually improve models of air pollution, make industrial catalysts cheaper and more selective, or lead to light-activated drugs that target tumours with fewer side effects. The grant itself is a Platform award—it gives five established investigators the flexibility to retain skilled postdoctoral researchers, run high-risk pilot experiments, and build the groundwork for larger collaborative proposals that would be impossible under standard funding rules.
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The field of chemical dynamics is concerned with the detailed atomic-level events that lie at the heart of all chemical and photochemical processes. We are studying these phenomena through a combination of sophisticated experiments, based on laser and vacuum technology, and advanced theoretical methods. The understanding that we provide is crucial to the enhanced exploitation or modelling of a wide range of natural or man-made phenomena, from chemistry in the atmosphere, combustion, catalysis, natural photoprotection and the design of sunscreens, through to photodynamic therapy. The purpose of this Platform is to provide stability and greater flexibility in the use of postdoctoral-level personnel across a group of five academic investigators with an established record of working together in areas spanning the interaction of molecules with liquid surfaces; chemical reactions and the transfer of energy in the gas-phase; and the chemical and physical processes initiated in molecules by the absorption of light. The Platform will allow us to retain key staff, and to deploy them in ways that are not possible with standard proposals. In particular, we will be able to accelerate our ability to grasp immediate opportunities based on our existing collaborations, both among the group and with external partners, by carrying out critical proof-of-concept studies. We will tackle larger, more complex, multi-stranded projects that will require us to work together in new combinations. We can see the potential for exciting developments in a number of areas, but currently we don't have funds to carry out the groundwork necessary to underpin successful joint proposals. In particular, we aim to expand the areas in which we have close integration between experiment and theory. We will also have the scope to carry out high-risk but adventurous pilot studies to expand into new areas beyond the boundaries of existing work, with potential new collaborators. The PDRAs employed will benefit greatly from the enhanced career development under the Platform. We will broaden their experience through research exchanges; engage them in proposals to win new funding; support them in applications for personal fellowships with dedicated funds for their own short proof-of-concept projects; and involve them in management of the Platform.
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