Malcolm McLeod

Professor Malcolm McLeod at The Australian National University's Research School of Chemistry specializes in anti-doping chemistry, drug metabolism, medicinal chemistry, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. With a DPhil from Cambridge and BSc Hons from Monash, his career spans roles at ANU, University of Sydney, and current leadership of the McLeod Group.

Education

• DPhil (University of Cambridge)
• BSc Hons (Monash University)
• FRACI (Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute)

Research Interests

His work focuses on designer steroid detection through in vitro metabolism and chemical synthesis, engineering sulfatase enzymes for steroid analysis, and medicinal chemistry of nicotinic receptors for neurological disorders. He pioneered covalent trapping methods to map drug binding sites.

Scientific Awards

• Rennie Memorial Medal (2005)
• Biota Medal for Medicinal Chemistry (2007)
• Athel Beckwith Lectureship (2003)
• Churchill Fellowship (2020, 2022)

Grants & Collaborations

• ARC Linkage Project for designer steroid detection
• WADA Scientific Research Grants
• Collaboration with Racing NSW - Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory
• Co-investigator in multidisciplinary projects (2012-2025)

Labs & Teams

As leader of the McLeod Group, he oversees research teams developing chemical and enzymatic methods for drug metabolism studies, with collaborations across ANU and international institutions including University of Sydney.