About
Professor Jonathan Morris is a faculty member at the School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney). His academic profile includes a PhD in Chemistry (Australian National University, 1994) and BSc (Hons) in Chemistry (University of Western Australia, 1990). As Pro Vice Chancellor Research Training and Dean of Graduate Research, he contributes to institutional leadership in research education.
- Research Focus: Development of natural products as biomedical agents through medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. Specialization in small-molecule modulators of RNA alternative splicing, particularly targeting kinases like SRPK1 for therapeutic applications in age-related macular degeneration, pain, and cancer.
- Scientific Contributions: Pioneering the total synthesis of rare natural products (e.g., variolin B) to overcome availability bottlenecks and develop analogs with enhanced potency. Research on ceramide synthetase inhibitors and Diels-Alder reaction applications for bioactive scaffolds.
Publications Trends: Recent work bridges chemistry and neuroscience, focusing on splicing kinases (SRPK1, CLK), Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, and neurodegenerative pathways. Articles include collaborations with industry partners like Exonate Ltd. for AMD treatments.
- Scientific Awards:
- 2014 UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence in Postgraduate Research Supervision
- 1994 Dean’s Prize, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University
Students & Collaborations: Supervises PhD and Honours students in projects such as kinase inhibitor development and total synthesis of bioactive compounds (coproverdine, embellistatin). Collaborates with biological researchers and industry partners for translational applications.
Labs & Facilities: Operates within the School of Chemistry at UNSW, utilizing advanced organic synthesis infrastructure for drug discovery programs.
