Nicholas Westwood

Nicholas Westwood is Professor of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. His multidisciplinary research spans organic synthesis, biomass conversion, and chemical biology. He develops sustainable methods for lignin valorization and creates bioactive compounds inspired by natural products.

Research Areas:

• Advanced catalytic methods for lignin depolymerization and functionalization
• Synthesis of complex natural products and drug candidates
• Development of chemical tools for biological mechanism studies
• Utilization of agricultural waste for chemical production

Westwood leads major projects on lignin processing funded by EPSRC, BBSRC, and Innovate UK. His work contributes to sustainable chemistry solutions aligned with UN development goals.

Awards & Honors:

• Royal Society University Research Fellowship
• NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Multiple RSC awards for chemical research