Kristofer Thurecht

Professor Kristofer Thurecht is Senior Group Leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and Deputy Director of Imaging Technologies at UQ's Centre for Advanced Imaging. His research develops polymer and nanoparticle-based devices for nanomedicine, focusing on targeted drug delivery and molecular imaging for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering to create 'theranostic' platforms that combine therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. Current projects involve developing targeted radiopharmaceuticals and optimizing nanomedicine delivery systems using advanced molecular imaging techniques.

Research collaborations span Australia and internationally, with strong industry partnerships in radiopharmaceutical development. Thurecht leads the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals and contributes to the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in BioMedical Imaging Technology.

• Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2012)
• David Sangster Polymer Science Award (2015)
• NHMRC Career Development Fellowship
• ARC Future Fellowship

He supervises PhD and Master's students on projects involving polymer synthesis, nanomaterial characterization, and preclinical evaluation of therapeutic systems. The Thurecht Group provides training in cutting-edge techniques at the chemistry-biology interface.

Thurecht's laboratory develops end-to-end evaluation capabilities from nanomaterial design through preclinical testing, with specialized facilities for radiopharmaceutical production and evaluation established through major grants including ACRF funding.