Dr. Chris Willis

Biography

Professor Chris Willis has a distinguished career in Organic Chemistry, with a focus on the elucidation of structures and total synthesis of natural products derived from a variety of sources including bacteria, fungi, and plants. His research highlights the significant importance of these compounds in both medicinal and agrochemical applications. Professor Willis has published over 130 scientific papers and his work encompasses innovative methodologies such as enzyme mechanisms, enantioselective synthesis of amino acids and heterocycles, as well as the use of isotopic labeling and biotransformations to understand reaction mechanisms. He supervises various projects at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis, guiding the next generation of chemists in sustainable and effective synthetic techniques, including the harnessing of Diels-Alderases for useful applications. His role as a principal investigator in multiple research projects demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of organic chemistry through both fundamental and applied research.

Research Interests

Experience