Jamie Hicks

Dr. Jamie Hicks is an Associate Professor at the Research School of Chemistry at Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on using earth-abundant, non-toxic metals (e.g., magnesium, calcium, aluminum) to develop sustainable chemical synthesis methods for reactions like C–H activation, C–C coupling, and small molecule activation.

• Education
  • PhD in Chemistry (2016), Monash University
  • Master in Chemistry (2011), University of Sheffield

Current projects include mechanochemistry for solvent-free synthesis, molecular qubit development using heavy p-block radicals, and exploring earth-abundant catalysts for N₂ activation and pollutant conversion. His work combines X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and DFT computational methods.

Notable trends in his 15 most recent articles include:

• Reductive coupling of CO and CO₂ using calcium/magnesium hydrides
• Mechanistic studies of hydrogen activation via frustrated Lewis pairs
• Development of iron-aluminyl complexes via mechanochemical methods

Scientific Awards

• ARC DECRA Fellowship (2020)
• AINSE Early Career Researcher Grant (2020)
• Mollie Holman Medal (2016)
• Reaxys PhD Prize (2016)
• Springer International Thesis Award (2016)

Advising: Supervises PhD candidates like Ryan Huo, Li Feng Lim, Aidan Matthews, and Liam Pascoe. Leads the Hicks Group, which includes postdoctoral fellows Dr. Liesa Eickhoff and Dr. Fabian Kallmeier.