Markus Muellner

Markus Muellner is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney, where he leads the Polymer Nanostructures Group. He is a member of several prestigious research institutes including Sydney Nano, the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, and the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation. As Associate Head of School (Research), he plays a significant leadership role within the School of Chemistry.

Dr. Muellner received his Dipl.-Chem. in polymer and colloid chemistry from the University of Bayreuth in 2008, followed by a Dr. rer. nat. from the Bayreuth Graduate School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences in 2012. After postdoctoral work at the University of Melbourne as a McKenzie Fellow (2013-2015), he joined the University of Sydney in 2015. His career progression includes Lecturer (2015-2018), ARC DECRA Fellow (2018-2020), Senior Lecturer (2019-2021), ARC Future Fellow (2021-2025), and Associate Professor (2022-present).

Muellner's research focuses on nanoscience and polymer chemistry, specifically using controlled polymerization techniques (RAFT, ATRP, ROMP) to create molecular polymer brushes and shape-anisotropic nanomaterials. His work spans sustainable materials design, drug delivery systems, and energy applications. He has developed innovative approaches using photocatalysis and renewable resources in polymer synthesis. His research group actively explores polymer nanomaterials for tissue penetration, porous materials from polymer templates, and biomimetic hydrogels.

His extensive publication record demonstrates significant contributions to polymer science, with recent work focusing on polymer nanodiscs, stimuli-responsive delivery systems, and advanced materials for energy applications. His research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly complex polymer architectures with precise control over nanoscale properties.

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2024)
• NSW RACI President Award (2023)
• SOAR Prize from the University of Sydney (2023)
• Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (2023)
• Rennie Memorial Medal (2021)
• ARC Future Fellowship (2021-2025)
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Early Career Research (2018)

Professor Muellner supervises numerous PhD and honors students working on diverse projects including polymer nanodiscs, injectable hydrogels, and nanomaterials for gene editing. His research is supported by substantial grants from the ARC, the Office of National Intelligence, and international collaborations. He serves on multiple advisory boards including for Polymer Chemistry (RSC), Macromolecular Rapid Communications, and Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics.

The Polymer Nanostructures Group operates within the Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids at the University of Sydney, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for polymer research and nanomaterial characterization. The group maintains strong international collaborations with institutions in Germany, South Korea, and the United States, focusing on advancing polymer science for medical and energy applications.