William Harrison

Professor William Harrison is a distinguished academic in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen, within the School of Natural and Computing Sciences. He holds the title of Personal Chair, reflecting his status as a full Professor. He currently serves as Director of Education and is actively involved in numerous university committees, showcasing his leadership and administrative contributions. His teaching spans all levels of the Chemistry programme, where he has received multiple teaching excellence awards.

• MA, University of Oxford
• DPhil (PhD), University of Oxford

Professor Harrison's research is centered on synthetic and structural inorganic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on crystallography, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), coordination polymers, and functional materials. His work often explores the design and characterization of novel inorganic and hybrid materials, frequently in collaboration with Dr. Michael Plater. His research group investigates reaction mechanisms, supramolecular assemblies, and the development of building blocks for porous materials.

The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on nucleophilic aromatic substitution, crystal engineering, hydrogen bonding, and the structural characterization of coordination compounds. His work spans from fundamental reaction mechanisms (e.g., in mauveine synthesis) to the development of materials with potential catalytic, medicinal, or electronic applications. The use of X-ray crystallography as a key analytical tool is evident across his publication record.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Most Accessible Lecturer (2015)
• Best Lecturer (2017)
• Most Supportive Lecturer (2020)

Professor Harrison has supervised numerous undergraduate research projects and has been deeply involved in educational leadership as Director of Education. His research has resulted in over 600 publications and an h-index of 52, indicating significant scholarly impact. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), recognizing his commitment to teaching excellence. His research group is active in areas such as solid-state chemistry and photoactive materials, contributing to the broader research ecosystem of the School of Natural and Computing Sciences.

He is a member of several research groups including the Solid State Chemistry group and the Ab-Elektro Research Group, and his work is supported by access to advanced facilities within the university. His collaborations extend internationally, as evidenced by his postdoctoral experience in the USA and ongoing research partnerships.