Allan Watson

Allan Watson is a Professor of Homogeneous Catalysis at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, and Deputy Head of School. His research focuses on mechanism-driven catalysis, spanning transition metals (Pd, Cu, Ni) and organocatalysis, targeting C−C/C−X bond formation in bioactive molecules. Current projects include applications in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and agrochemistry.

• Education: MSci (2004) and PhD (2008) from University of Strathclyde; postdoctoral work at Princeton (Lindemann Trust) and GlaxoSmithKline.

His research interests center on homogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on chemoselectivity, bioconjugation, and sustainable synthesis. Recent work explores photocatalytic E→Z isomerization, asymmetric protonation, and boron-based reagents for pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications. Articles highlight innovations in CuAAC platforms, organoboron chemistry, and sustainable solvents for cross-coupling.

Scientific Awards:

• Lindemann Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship
• The Leverhulme Trust Fellowship
• UK Research and Innovation Programme Grant (£1.77M)

Allan supervises 8 graduate students and contributes to teaching courses in synthetic methodology, organic chemistry labs, and tutorials. Projects like 'Boron: Beyond the Reagent' and 'Biochemical Boron Tagging' underscore his leadership in funded research, with collaborations spanning sustainable solvents (Cyrene), EPR spectroscopy, and SDG-aligned chemistry.