Ian Crossley

Dr. Ian Crossley is an Associate Professor in Inorganic Chemistry within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex, where he leads the Crossley Lab. His research group has established an international reputation for innovative work at the interface of transition metal and main group chemistry, particularly with phosphorus-containing systems. With over 20 years of academic experience following his PhD from UMIST (University of Manchester), he has developed a robust research program that bridges fundamental organometallic chemistry with potential applications in molecular electronics and materials science.

Dr. Crossley's academic journey began with an MChem and PhD from UMIST, followed by research fellowships at Australian National University, Monash University, and University of Sussex. He was awarded a prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship in 2008, which he held until 2016 when he was promoted to Senior Lecturer and subsequently to Associate Professor.

The Crossley Lab's research program focuses on three interconnected areas: Conjugated Phosphacarbon Complexes for developing 'molecular-scale wires' with low-coordinate phosphorus centers; Phosphorus-containing Ligands, developing novel ligand systems with rare electronic functionalities; and Phosphacyclophanes, studying macrocyclic compounds that self-assemble from simple condensation reactions. The lab has made several groundbreaking discoveries including the first monometallic bis(cyaphido) complex (2024), the first diphosphaborolediide (2021), and pioneering work on cyaphide-alkynyl complexes that have been featured on journal covers.

The lab's publication record shows a consistent output of high-impact research in leading chemistry journals, with recent work focusing on the electronic structure and reactivity of novel phosphorus-containing organometallics. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on molecular wire development, ligand design, and the fundamental chemistry of low-coordinate phosphorus systems, with increasing computational components to understand electronic properties.

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, 2017)
• Chartered Chemist (CChem, 2006)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2011)

Dr. Crossley actively supervises a vibrant research group, typically comprising 4-6 students including PhD candidates and project students. His former students have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and scientific publishing. The lab maintains consistent funding from major research councils including EPSRC, Royal Society, and Leverhulme Trust, with current projects extending through 2029. Dr. Crossley teaches across multiple levels in the Chemistry program, bringing his research expertise into the classroom through courses on inorganic and organometallic chemistry.

The Crossley Lab maintains active collaborations both within the University of Sussex and internationally, with research groups in Australia, the UK, and Europe. The lab's work has been highlighted in ChemistryViews Magazine and continues to push boundaries in organometallic chemistry, particularly at the transition metal/main group interface.