Nicholas F. Chilton

Professor Nicholas F. Chilton serves as Professor of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry at The Australian National University's Research School of Chemistry, maintaining a joint appointment with The University of Manchester. He leads the internationally recognized Chilton group, which investigates the magnetic properties of molecules through integrated computational and experimental approaches.

His academic journey includes a BSc Adv Hons from Monash University (2011) completed under Prof. Keith Murray, followed by a PhD from The University of Manchester (2015) supervised by Prof. Richard Winpenny and Prof. Eric McInnes. His postdoctoral career featured prestigious fellowships including Ramsay Memorial Research Fellow (2016-2018) and Royal Society University Research Fellow (2019-2023).

Chilton's research program centers on molecular magnetism with three key application areas: developing novel MRI contrast agents, advancing quantum information systems through molecular spin qubits, and creating next-generation molecular data storage solutions. His group employs computational methods (DFT, CASSCF) alongside experimental techniques (EPR, SQUID magnetometry, INS spectroscopy) to establish fundamental structure-property relationships in magnetic molecules.

Recent publications demonstrate significant progress in understanding spin dynamics of lanthanide systems, with particular focus on dysprosium complexes and their quantum properties. His work shows a clear trajectory toward designing molecules with tailored magnetic characteristics for specific technological applications.

Professor Chilton's contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards:

• Dalton Young Researchers Award (2015)
• 7th Olivier Kahn International Award (2019)
• Harrison-Meldola Memorial Prize (2021)
• Philip Leverhulme Prize (2023)
• Ramsay Memorial Research Fellow (2016-2018)
• Presidential Fellow at Manchester (2018-2019)
• Royal Society University Research Fellow (2019-2023)

He actively supervises graduate researchers including PhD candidate Ed Latham. His work is supported by the ANU Futures Scheme project (2023-2028) and multiple research grants. The Chilton group currently pursues four major projects: 'Search Designer magnetic anisotropy,' 'Electric-field manipulation of molecular qubits,' 'Molecular Qubits,' and 'Next-generation molecule-based magnetic materials,' offering opportunities for Bachelor, Honours, and Master students.