Dean and Head of School of Chemistry and Physics Presents Inaugural Lecture on “Beautiful Chemistry”

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Professor Ross Robinson, Dean and Head of the School of Chemistry and Physics at UKZN and a synthetic chemist by training, shared his research journey and future plans on the occasion of his inauguration into the UKZN professoriate.

During his presentation, Robinson focused on three main areas of research - the development of methodologies for synthesising specific molecules; the potential of certain stable compounds for use in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, and the rapid pace of change in various fields.

He also shared his journey at the former University of the Natal and the now University of KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the evolution of teaching and learning methods and his involvement in various projects.

‘The real change has been the explosion of technology and the explosion of international research collaboration,’ he said. ‘All of our disciplines are interconnected, and communication is really the key to having collaboration.’

In his presentation titled: “Our Approaches to the Development of Synthetic Methodologies to Access Heterocyclic Compounds with Medicinal Potential”, Robinson argued that the development of techniques that could be applied in order to facilitate the synthesis of small organic molecules was important for many industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

He shared the approaches of his research group to enhancing the Suzuki-Miyaura type coupling strategy in order to obtain ultra-stabilised boranes, which have potential as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) agents.

He also covered his studies into the use of semi-conductor systems as potential agents for the use tandem and pseudo-tandem oxidation type processes in order to gain access to quinoxaline type heterocycles and other important organic molecules via more environmentally friendly processes.

Robinson obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Rhodes University, graduating with a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry under the supervision of Professor Perry Kaye.

He later joined the then University of Natal and has been at the Institution through the transition to the new University of KwaZulu-Natal, taking on the role of Dean and Head of the School of Chemistry and Physics for the past 11 years. In 2016 he received the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science’s Distinguished Teachers’ Award.

Robinson has supervised nine PhD and 24 MSc students to date and published 43 research articles. He is a National Research Foundation (NRF) C-Rated scientist and a member of the South African Chemical Institute as well as the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research has focused around developing methodology for the synthesis of small heterocyclic type compounds.

‘Our job as academics is to prepare and inspire our students,’ said Robinson, who spoke of how gratifying it was to see past students doing well years down the line. ‘I love watching young scientists getting involved in science and am extremely grateful for all their assistance and what I have learned from them,’ he said.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied