Most proteins and enzymes "live" in solution. Like mechanical machines, their function depends on conformational changes. Using NMR spectroscopy in solution, we develop new methods to determine the movements and conformational changes of proteins, such as the COVID-19 main protease.

At the ANU, we recently installed world-leading prototype equipment to perform experiments not possible previously with miniscule quantities of material (see picture of sample rotors in comparison with Australian five Cent coin below).

This project will involve use of fs- and ns-pulsed wavelength-tuneable lasers, in some cases interfaced to electrochemistry equipment, to investigate NLO properties of new molecules/materials, and can involve modelling properties using the ANU’s supercomputer.

With the increasing threat of climate change, understanding how photosynthetic organisms adapt to extreme conditions is a key field of research. We have two projects that relate to C. thermalis.