Suzanne Neville

Associate Professor Suzanne Neville is a distinguished researcher in the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in molecular magnetism and spin-crossover materials. Her work focuses on designing and developing advanced functional materials with applications in modern technology.

Professor Neville received her Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 2000 and completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry there in 2005. She then pursued postdoctoral research at Monash University's Molecular Magnetism Group (2006-2008) followed by a Marie Curie Fellowship at the Institut de Chemie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux, France (2008-2009). She served as Laboratory Manager at CSIRO's Process Science and Engineering in Melbourne (2010), held Australian Research Fellowships at Monash University (2011-2012) and the University of Sydney (2013-2016), before joining UNSW as a Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Chemistry in 2017.

Her research interests center on molecular switching nanomaterials, particularly spin-crossover materials that exhibit reversible changes in magnetic and optical properties in response to external stimuli. She investigates the structure-property relationships of coordination polymers and framework materials, with special focus on Hofmann-type frameworks. Her work spans synthetic inorganic chemistry, crystal engineering, and in situ structure-function studies of materials under various conditions.

Professor Neville's publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research in the field of molecular magnetism, with a particular emphasis on spin-crossover phenomena in coordination frameworks. Her recent work explores multistep spin transitions, guest-induced switching behavior, and the effects of structural modifications on magnetic properties. This research has significant implications for the development of molecular switches and sensors.

• RACI Inorganic Division Alan Sargeson Lectureship 2018 for significant and innovative contributions to the field
• Sandy Mathieson Medal for distinguished contributions to science involving X-ray, neutron, or electron diffraction

Professor Neville currently leads several major research projects including a Future Fellowship (FT17) on "Molecular switching nanomaterials for modern technology," a Discovery Project (DP20) on "Emergent behaviours in spin crossover materials," and a Cooperative Research Centre Project on "Novel processing of pyrite ore to produce battery grade cobalt and sulfur." Her research group develops new synthetic approaches to create functional materials with applications in sensing, information storage, and energy technologies.

Her laboratory focuses on the design and synthesis of polynuclear coordination materials, porous frameworks, and molecular switches that respond to thermal, light, and guest-induced stimuli. The team employs advanced characterization techniques including single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and spectroscopic methods to understand structure-property relationships in these materials.