Dr Jonathan Ward
Lecturer in ChemistryProfile
Throughout my career I have amassed expertise in a multitude of research disciplines including organic synthesis/materials design, photophysical analysis, and molecule–surface interactions. I obtained an MChem degree from The University of York (2010). I then completed a PhD with Prof. Fairlamb developing light-activated therapeutic carbon monoxide-releasing molecules.
As a PDRA with Prof. Bryce (2014–2017, Durham), I synthesised all-organic pi-conjugated aromatic molecules for high efficiency optoelectronic devices. Subsequently, I worked on the HyperOLED European consortium at Durham (2017–2020), an H2020-funded project to collaborate with industry (Merck and MicroOLED). This project focused on hyper-fluorescence with a drive towards commercial optoelectronic products.
I then moved to the University of Liverpool to work with Prof Simon Higgins and Richard Nichols developing molecular wires and surface binding molecules to measure conductance at the single-molecule level and understand the molecule–surface interactions.
I will be drawing upon all of the above expertise to develop materials that organise on surfaces to control the directionality of emission properties.
I will also be developing highly robust pi-conjugated photocatalysts with strong bonding throughout the system for incorporation into flow chemistry systems.
Current Teaching
CHEM201 part 2: Alkenes and Alkynes
Professional Role
Disability Officer for Chemistry
RSC Undergraduate Research Bursary
15/07/2024 → 08/09/2024
Research
Brick-stable: Building High Efficiency Photocatalysts From An Optoelectronic Perspective
01/12/2023 → 30/06/2026
Research
Robust Photo-Bleach Resistant Photocatalysts Inspired by OLED Research
01/11/2023 → 21/11/2024
Research
PhD examination for Elizabeth Leonard
Examination
LU Chemistry Department Research Conference
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Gregynog Synthesis
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Xiaogang Liu
Hosting an academic visitor
STEM taster day 2025 day 1 18-6-25
Other
Angewandte Chemie International Edition (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Cardinal Newman College
Hosting a School Visit
PhD Viva examination for Sean Barlow
Examination
Elements of Success
Other
Part 2: How do chemists consider electrons within molecules and what do ‘curly arrows’ actually mean
Oral presentation
Part 1: How do chemists consider electrons within molecules and what do ‘curly arrows’ actually mean
Oral presentation
Lancaster university chemistry Offer Holder Event
Other
Journal of the American Chemical Society (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Lancaster Chemistry Academia-Industry Symposium
Symposium
Using optoelectronic expertise to develop photocatalysts and other conjugated materials
Oral presentation
Self-assembly of Pi-conjugated Materials on Surfaces for Optoelectronic and Photocatalytic Applications
Oral presentation
Lancaster University Open Day
Other
RSC Organic Chemistry Community North West Regional Meeting
Participation in conference - Academic
Advanced Photonics Research (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Chemistry - A European Journal (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Launch event for the MChem (with Industrial Placement) degree at Lancaster University
Other
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (Journal)
Publication peer-review
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (Journal)
Publication peer-review
- Chemical Synthesis
- Electrochemical and Surfaces Research Group
- Molecular Scale Electronics
- Organic Research Group