Paul Low

Paul Low is a Professor and Head of School in the School of Molecular Sciences at the University of Western Australia (UWA). He holds titles including FRSC, FRACI, and CChem, and has held previous academic positions such as Professor of Chemistry at Durham University, UK. His research focuses on organometallic chemistry and molecular electronics, with particular emphasis on single-molecule junctions, quantum interference effects, and nanotechnology applications.

Education

• B.Sc (Double Major in Chemistry) from University of Adelaide (1992)
• B.Sc(Hons) from University of Adelaide (1993)
• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from University of Adelaide (1997)

Research Interests

Professor Low’s work explores molecular electronics, organometallic complexes, and quantum interference in molecular systems. He investigates novel materials for electronics applications, including molecular wires, conductance modulation, and device fabrication. His research integrates experimental and computational methods to understand electronic properties at the molecular scale.

Grants & Collaborations

• ARC Discovery Projects (2019–2022): Molecular transistors and radical-based components for electronics
• ARC Future Fellowship (2012–2016): Molecular electronics platforms
• Collaborations with global institutions on projects like gold-graphene heterojunctions and CO₂ foundries

Awards

• H.G. Smith Memorial Medal (2020)
• Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2015)

Teaching & Outreach

He teaches undergraduate courses in chemistry and mentors students through UWA’s scholarship programs. His outreach initiatives engage Indigenous youth in science through workshops like ‘Molecules, Models, and Morsels’.

Labs & Teams

His group collaborates with surface scientists, microscopists, and theoreticians to advance molecular electronics. Projects include building large-scale molecular junction arrays and developing CO₂ capture technologies.