Kay Latham

Professor Kay Latham serves as the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Gender Equity, within the Research & Innovation Portfolio at RMIT University, based at the City Campus in Australia. Her academic role bridges leadership in gender equity initiatives with a robust research background in chemistry and materials science.

Her research focuses on Supramolecular Chemistry, including crystallographic studies of metal-substituted organophosphonates, Zeolites synthesis using synchrotron x-ray techniques, and nanomaterials such as metal sulphide thin films. She also explores the physico-chemical behavior of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through crystal engineering. Her gender equity work analyzes institutional barriers in STEMM fields, particularly leaders’ resistance to change and strategies for fostering inclusive environments.

Professor Latham supervises research on topics like novel liquid-phase synthesis of nanomaterials and MOF crystal engineering. Her recent publications highlight advancements in antimicrobial nanomaterials, environmental monitoring via chemometrics, and gender equality policy analysis. She collaborates widely in RMIT’s interdisciplinary research ecosystem.

Her work spans academic leadership, materials innovation, and social equity, reflecting a commitment to both scientific discovery and institutional transformation.