Liam Donnelly

Liam Donnelly is an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Institute of Chemical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. He leads the Donnelly Research Group which develops innovative catalytic methodologies to convert renewable feedstock chemicals into valuable materials, with expertise spanning catalysis, organic synthesis, and polymer chemistry.

Dr. Donnelly's research interests include:

• Homogeneous Catalysis for chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective transformation of sustainable feedstock chemicals
• Mechanistic Studies integrating physical organic chemistry with online spectroscopic techniques like FlowNMR and FlowIR
• Polymer Backbone Editing for precise modification of polymer structures

His group is guided by green chemistry principles and sustainability metrics (PMI, E-Factor, etc.) in developing environmentally benign syntheses. Dr. Donnelly's work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable chemistry and environmental protection, focusing on addressing contemporary scientific and societal challenges through catalytic innovation.

Dr. Donnelly has published in high-impact journals including Angewandte Chemie International Edition, ACS Catalysis, and Green Chemistry, with multiple publications receiving significant citations. His research has generated considerable academic interest across various platforms and has been referenced in patents.

His notable scientific contributions include:

• Development of catalytic methodologies for sustainable chemical synthesis
• Innovative approaches to plastic waste depolymerization
• Advancements in C-H functionalization chemistry
• Novel techniques for polymer backbone modification

Dr. Donnelly teaches courses including 'Organic Structural Identification, Stereochemistry & Reaction Mechanisms' and 'Laboratory Regulation and Project Management.' He is actively accepting PhD students to join his research group, continuing his commitment to training the next generation of sustainable chemists.