The field of chemical biology focuses on the use of chemical approaches, particularly synthetic chemistry, to answer biological questions as well as to develop modulators of protein function. Chemical biology has roots in both chemistry and biochemistry, fostering scientific creativity from the interdisciplinary nature of chemical biology research. Research in this area includes the development of novel approaches to using small molecules to modulate the activity of proteins as well as the development of new methods to measure specific biological activities, particularly in cells.

The study of catalysis is concerned with developing and understanding chemical processes that use a catalyst, a molecule that makes a desirable chemical reaction occur more rapidly without being consumed. A relatively small amount of a catalyst can facilitate many hundreds of thousands of reactions before degrading, enabling energy and resource efficiency, often at large scales. Catalytic processes are used in approximately 90% of all industrial chemical processes, and catalytic reactions are central to the pharmaceutical, chemical, and energy sectors.

Biophysical Chemistry seeks to explain biological mechanisms using a combination of chemical and physical concepts and techniques. Cells have a highly dynamic and complex environment composed of varying biomolecules with specific functions that we seek to understand. At UVA, we develop and apply:

(i) new measurement technologies,

(ii) various formalisms from the physical sciences, as well as

(iii) data analytics and computational modeling tools.

With roots in analytical chemistry, the bioanalytical field aims to quantify and detect varying small and macromolecules. Quantification and detection are crucial for researchers to identify and better understand molecules present in their sample of interest. Researchers utilize bioanalysis for a variety of different applications in fields such as forensic analysis, pharmacology, immunology, among others. 

Astrochemistry at UVa covers a variety of research topics involving the chemistry that occurs in interstellar clouds of gas and dust

Chemistry Ph.D. students can apply to these training grant programs for funding.

Biotechnology PhD Training Program

Molecular Biophysics Training

Nanoscale research at UVA.

Undergraduate biochemistry research laboratory focused on characterizing protein functions.

The CCU forges a unique research collaboration among leading scientists in the field of astrochemistry.

CAMOS was founded to coordinate and promote research and training in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences.