Research

We are architects of the molecular world. We use organic chemistry and synthetic biology to control the shape and assembly of the molecules of life - peptides and proteins - to design new medicines, materials, and catalysts.

We are based in the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney. We collaborate widely with research groups locally and internationally.
Our group is associated with the Sydney Nano Institute, the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Peptide and Protein Science, and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.

The two primary areas of research currently in our lab are:

1. Drug discovery and synthetic chemistry - Targeting telomeres
Macrocyclic peptides and small molecules as therapeutic candidates for targeting telomere-associated proteins in cancer.

2. Synthetic biology and protein engineering - Designing protein compartments
Encapsulin protein cages as synthetic organelles for biomanufacturing.

If you are interested in doing a PhD with us, we're interested to talk to you! Feel free to contact Yu Heng to learn more!