Professor Kristofer Thurecht
Professor

Kristofer Thurecht

Email: 

Background

Professor Kris Thurecht is the Institute Director of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland, where he leads more than 500 researchers and professional staff.

His research is multidisciplinary, working across the boundaries of chemistry and materials, biology, engineering and imaging science, where his team investigates the intricate interplay between structure and function of nanomaterials and how this affects their subsequent interaction with biological entities.

He has a particular focus on utilising advanced molecular imaging as a real time measure of how nanomaterials behave and influence biological systems, using complex multicellular in vitro systems and also in living animals.​ Recently, this has expanded into developing and understanding targeted radiopharmaceuticals for both imaging and therapy, and in this area Professor Thurecht also acts as the Director of the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals. By bringing together partners across industry and academia, he has led the development of a targeted alpha therapy research facility at The University of Queensland to explore this emerging class of highly potent radiotherapeutic.

As AIBN’s Institute Director, Professor Thurecht plays a central role in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction, nurturing a culture of innovation, building lasting career frameworks for early and mid-career researchers and supporting researchers to translate science into real-world impacts.

AIBN has a foundation built upon strong industry and government partnerships. Professor Thurecht has helped forge this strategy, with a focus on building collaborations that shape international science agendas, contribute to innovation in science and technology policies and drive industry investment in research and innovation. He has supported international initiatives that bring higher degree research students to UQ as part of multi-institutional programs, building upon the strategic focus of AIBN in national priority areas of health, energy and the bioeconomy.

Using AIBN as a key institutional vehicle for delivering The University of Queensland’s research and innovation objectives, Professor Thurecht has championed the establishment and expansion of strong platform technologies that underpin the innovation landscape at AIBN; accelerating translation, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration and scaling impact for the public good.

In addition to his role at AIBN, Professor Thurecht is an Associate Editor for the American Chemical Society journal, Molecular Pharmaceutics, and is a member of the ARC College of Experts.

Availability

Professor Kristofer Thurecht is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Macromolecular and materials chemistry

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research impacts

Research

Design and synthesis of architectural polymers applied to molecular imaging and drug delivery in nanomedicine. In collaboration with industry, Prof Thurecht's research has contributed to development and translation of new agents for detection and treatment of cancer.

Search Professor Kristofer Thurecht’s works on UQ eSpace

279 works between 2002 and 2026
All (279) Journal Article (227) Other Outputs (2) Conference Publication (44) Book Chapter (6)

241 - 260 of 279 works

2010

Journal Article

Synthesis and phase behavior of CO2-soluble hydrocarbon copolymer: Poly(vinyl) acetate-alt-dibutyl maleate

Lee, Hyunsuk, Pack, Ji Won, Wang, Wenxin, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2010). Synthesis and phase behavior of CO2-soluble hydrocarbon copolymer: Poly(vinyl) acetate-alt-dibutyl maleate. Macromolecules, 43 (5), 2276-2282. doi: 10.1021/ma902505h

Synthesis and phase behavior of CO2-soluble hydrocarbon copolymer: Poly(vinyl) acetate-alt-dibutyl maleate

2010

Journal Article

Dielectric properties of free-radical polymerizations: Molecularly symmetrical initiators during thermal decomposition

Smith, Alastair D., Lester, Edward, Thurecht, Kristofer James, El Harfi, Jaouad, Dimitrakis, Georgios, Kingman, Sam W., Robinson, John P. and Irvine, Derek J. I (2010). Dielectric properties of free-radical polymerizations: Molecularly symmetrical initiators during thermal decomposition. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 49 (4), 1703-1710. doi: 10.1021/ie901201h

Dielectric properties of free-radical polymerizations: Molecularly symmetrical initiators during thermal decomposition

2010

Journal Article

Preparation of sodium-capped poly(lactic acid) oligomers by catalytic initiation with a sodium α-, β-, or γ-hydroxyacidss

Hill, Gavin T. H., Irvine, Derek J., Thurecht, Kristofer J, Botting, Catherine H., Williamson, Sylvia and Cole-Hamilton, David J. (2010). Preparation of sodium-capped poly(lactic acid) oligomers by catalytic initiation with a sodium α-, β-, or γ-hydroxyacidss. Macromolecules, 43 (1), 185-192. doi: 10.1021/ma901861u

Preparation of sodium-capped poly(lactic acid) oligomers by catalytic initiation with a sodium α-, β-, or γ-hydroxyacidss

2010

Book Chapter

Biocatalytic Polymerization in Exotic Solvents

Thurecht, Kristofer James and Villarroya, Silvia (2010). Biocatalytic Polymerization in Exotic Solvents. Biocatalysis in Polymer Chemistry. (pp. 323-348) edited by Katja Loos. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley - V C H Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. doi: 10.1002/9783527632534

Biocatalytic Polymerization in Exotic Solvents

2009

Journal Article

Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide

Thurecht, K.J. and Howdle, S.M. (2009). Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. Australian Journal of Chemistry: an international journal for chemical science, 62 (8), 786-789. doi: 10.1071/CH09081

Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide

2009

Journal Article

One-pot controlled synthesis of biodegradable and biocompatible co-polymer micelles

Saeed, Aram Omer, Dey, Sabrina, Howdle, Steven M., Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Alexander, Cameron (2009). One-pot controlled synthesis of biodegradable and biocompatible co-polymer micelles. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19 (26), 4529-4535. doi: 10.1039/b821736j

One-pot controlled synthesis of biodegradable and biocompatible co-polymer micelles

2009

Journal Article

RAFT-functional ionic liquids: towards understanding controlled free radical polymerisation in ionic liquids

Puttick, Simon, Irvine, Derek J., Licence, Peter and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2009). RAFT-functional ionic liquids: towards understanding controlled free radical polymerisation in ionic liquids. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19 (18), 2679-2682. doi: 10.1039/b817181p

RAFT-functional ionic liquids: towards understanding controlled free radical polymerisation in ionic liquids

2009

Conference Publication

POLY 252-RAFT-functional ionic liquids: Controlled free radical polymerization in ionic liquids

Thurecht, Krisofer J., Puttick, Simon, Irvine, Derek J. and Licence, Peter (2009). POLY 252-RAFT-functional ionic liquids: Controlled free radical polymerization in ionic liquids. American Chemical Society National Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S.A., 22 -26 March 2009. Washington, DC United States: American Chemical Society.

POLY 252-RAFT-functional ionic liquids: Controlled free radical polymerization in ionic liquids

2008

Journal Article

Dispersion polymerisation in supercritical CO2 using macro-RAFT agents

Zong, Mengmeng, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2008). Dispersion polymerisation in supercritical CO2 using macro-RAFT agents. Chemical Communications (45), 5942-5944. doi: 10.1039/b812827h

Dispersion polymerisation in supercritical CO2 using macro-RAFT agents

2008

Journal Article

Epoxy functionalised poly(epsilon-caprolactone): Synthesis and application

Zhou, Jiaxiang, Wang, Wenxin, Villarroya, Silvia, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2008). Epoxy functionalised poly(epsilon-caprolactone): Synthesis and application. Chemical Communications (44), 5806-5808. doi: 10.1039/b810297j

Epoxy functionalised poly(epsilon-caprolactone): Synthesis and application

2008

Journal Article

Successful dispersion polymerization in supercritical CO2 using polyvinylalkylate hydrocarbon surfactants synthesized and anchored via RAFT

Lee, Hyunsuk, Terry, Elaine, Zong, Mengmeng, Arrowsmith, Nicholas, Perrier, Sébastien, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2008). Successful dispersion polymerization in supercritical CO2 using polyvinylalkylate hydrocarbon surfactants synthesized and anchored via RAFT. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130 (37), 12242-12243. doi: 10.1021/ja8046156

Successful dispersion polymerization in supercritical CO2 using polyvinylalkylate hydrocarbon surfactants synthesized and anchored via RAFT

2008

Journal Article

HRP-mediated inverse emulsion polymerisation of acrylamide in supercritical carbon dioxide

Villarroya, Silvia, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2008). HRP-mediated inverse emulsion polymerisation of acrylamide in supercritical carbon dioxide. Green Chemistry, 10 (8), 863-867. doi: 10.1039/b804080j

HRP-mediated inverse emulsion polymerisation of acrylamide in supercritical carbon dioxide

2008

Journal Article

Free-radical polymerization in ionic liquids: the case for a protected radical

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Gooden, Peter N., Goel, Sarika, Tuck, Christopher, Licence, Peter and Irvine, Derek J. (2008). Free-radical polymerization in ionic liquids: the case for a protected radical. Macromolecules, 41 (8), 2814-2820. doi: 10.1021/ma7026403

Free-radical polymerization in ionic liquids: the case for a protected radical

2008

Journal Article

Controlled dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide via RAFT

Gregory, Andrew M., Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2008). Controlled dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide via RAFT. Macromolecules, 41 (4), 1215-1222. doi: 10.1021/ma702017r

Controlled dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide via RAFT

2008

Conference Publication

POLY 624-High pressure NMR of polymeric materials

Whittaker, AK, Blakey, I, Thurecht, KJ, Squires, O and Varcoe, K (2008). POLY 624-High pressure NMR of polymeric materials. 235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New Orleans LA, APR 06-10, 2008. WASHINGTON: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.

POLY 624-High pressure NMR of polymeric materials

2008

Conference Publication

High pressure NMR of polymeric materials

Whittaker, Andrew K., Blakey, Idriss, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Squires, Oliver and Varcoe, Kylie (2008). High pressure NMR of polymeric materials. 235th American Chemical Society National Meeting, New Orleans, 6-10 April 2008 . Blacksburg, VA, United States: American Chemical Society.

High pressure NMR of polymeric materials

2007

Journal Article

“Living” Polymer Beads in Supercritical CO2

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Gregory, Andrew M., Wang, Wenxin and Howdle, Steven M. (2007). “Living” Polymer Beads in Supercritical CO2. Macromolecules, 40 (9), 2965-2967. doi: 10.1021/ma062724m

“Living” Polymer Beads in Supercritical CO2

2007

Journal Article

One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2. (vol 39, pg 5352, 2006)

Zhou, Jiaxiang, Villarroya, Silvia, Wang, Wenxin, Wyatt, Mark F., Duxbury, Christopher J., Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2007). One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2. (vol 39, pg 5352, 2006). Macromolecules, 40 (6), 2276-2276. doi: 10.1021/ma070151n

One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2. (vol 39, pg 5352, 2006)

2007

Journal Article

Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide by RAFT

Gregory, Andrew M., Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2007). Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide by RAFT. Polymer Preprints, 48 (2), 200-201.

Controlled dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide by RAFT

2007

Journal Article

Novel one pot synthesis of silver nanoparticle–polymer composites by supercritical CO2 polymerisation in the presence of a RAFT agent

Hasell, Tom, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Jones, Rhys D. W., Brown, Paul D. and Howdle, Steven M. (2007). Novel one pot synthesis of silver nanoparticle–polymer composites by supercritical CO2 polymerisation in the presence of a RAFT agent. Chemical communications, 38 (38), 3933-3935. doi: 10.1039/b710503g

Novel one pot synthesis of silver nanoparticle–polymer composites by supercritical CO2 polymerisation in the presence of a RAFT agent

Current funding

  • 2026 - 2029
    Reversible patterning of surfaces for biomolecule immobilisation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Hybrid quantum sensors for rapid detection of chemical and biochemical agents as a tool to mitigate the risks of terrorist attacks
    Quantum 2032 Challenge Program
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Advancing the delivery of gene therapy to motor neurons and glial cells using focused ultrasound (NHMRC Ideas grant administered by University of Wollongong)
    University of Wollongong
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Nanoparticle gene therapy for cystic fibrosis
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Chronic Respiratory Conditions
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Reset rheumatoid arthritis (RESET RA)
    MRFF Frontier Health and Medical Research Program administered by AusIndustry
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Developing novel peptide tracers for improving immunotherapy outcomes
    NHMRC Development Grant
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Understanding production and application of alpha emitting radionuclides
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
    ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Advancing the treatment of brain cancer in children (UNSW led NHMRC Synergy Grant)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2025 - 2026
    Manufacturing a High-Performance Radiopharmaceutical Product (AEA Ignite externally administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Targeting brain tumour using rationally designed nanomedicine
    Brain Foundation Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Radiolabelling of proprietary Clarity bispecific chelators with Ac-225
    Clarity Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Polymer mimics of the TRAIL protein for pancreatic cancer (PanKind grant administered by University of Newcastle)
    University of Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    High-Resolution Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Overcome biological barriers in cancer for the treatment of glioblastoma using personalised nanomedicine
    TdC Pioneering Grant
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Project KT2022-11: Evaluate biodistribution of PET-labelled EV following various administration routes
    Exopharm
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Establishing Design Principles of Polymers for Intracellular Delivery (UWA led ARC Discovery Project)
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Enhancing delivery of gene therapy to motor neurons and glial cells using focused ultrasound (FightMND Impact Grant administered by University of Wollongong)
    University of Wollongong
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Antigen-specific immunotherapy with proinsulin33-63/calcitriol liposomes in type 1 diabetes
    The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Innovative delivery methods for the biologic soluble RAGE to prevent Type 1 Diabetes
    JDRF Pilot and Innovation Awards
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Nuclear medicine for the future: Targeted radiometal therapeutics for oncology
    IPF Healthy - Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    ACRF Facility for Targeted Radiometals in Cancer (AFTRiC)
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Non-invasive drug delivery across the blood brain barrier: Improving the bioavailability of drugs for MND (MNDRIA grant administered by The University of Wollongong)
    University of Wollongong
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Smart affinity membranes for manufacture of high value therapeutic proteins
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Dissolution DNP Hyperpolariser
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Imaging Mass Spectrometry at Higher Mass Resolution
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Biomolecular Imager and microscope for preclinical radiopharmaceutical development
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Continuous chromatography system for advanced bioprocessing
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    In vivo optical imaging into the next generation
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Next generation imaging to bridge the knowledge gap in nanomedicine delivery
    NHMRC Career Development Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Lattice light sheet microscopy for imaging biology in real space and time
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Analyse the biodistribution of Cy-5 labelled IK14004 and IK14800
    Inter-K Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    EGFR targeted nanoparticle feasibility study
    Samyang Biopharmaceuticals Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Radiosensitization of prostate cancer by nanoparticle mediated siRNA delivery
    RANZCR Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Next generation hybrid nanomaterials: bispecific antibody-targeted polymers
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Facility for characterisation of bionanomaterials
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Exosome and Bio/Nanoparticle Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Immuno-polymeric drugs for prostate cancer therapy
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2022
    ACRF Facility for Molecular Imaging Agents in Cancer (AFMIAC)
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    The Vevo 2100 micro-ultrasound plus LAZR photoacoustic imaging platform (ARC LIEF project administered by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Developing targeted EphA2 based imaging technology for glioblastoma
    Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Asia-China Young Scientists Exchange Programme
    Australia-China Science and Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2021
    ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (Monash lead institution)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Detection and treatment of triple negative breast cancer: development of novel nanomedicine devices allowing simultaneous molecular imaging, gene therapy and aptamer therapy
    National Breast Cancer Foundation Novel Concept Award
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Development of a rapid ex vivo screening assay for immunotoxicity of nanoparticles
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Multifunctional and Multimodal Theranostics: Manipulating Material Properties for Advanced Diagnostics
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Simultaneous Imaging and Drug Delivery for Prostate Cancer Theranostics (NHMRC Project Grant administered by the Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Simultaneous Imaging and Drug Delivery for Prostate Cancer Theranostics
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Traceable Theranostics: Tools for visualising drug delivery and therapeutic benefit in vivo
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Green biopolymer nanocomposites facility: supercritical carbon dioxide characterisation and processing for nanomaterials and biopolymers
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Detection platform for both radiometyricand non-radiometric labels
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Development of PET/MRI multimodal biomedical imaging agents
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2011
    ResTeach 2011 0.1 FTE School of Pharmacy
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Hyperbranched Polymer:siRNA Conjugates: Advanced Polymeric Carriers for Cancer Therapy
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Novel polymeric microparticles for slow-release intrathecal delivery of analgesics
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    A new portable molecular imaging modality - dynamic nuclear polarization
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Hyperbranched Ploymers for Targeted Drug Delivery: Synthesis, Properties and Molecular Conjugation
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Biocatalytic Polymerisation in Supercritical CO2
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Supercritical CO2: A Clean, Green Reaction Medium for Novel Polymer Synthesis and Modification
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Kristofer Thurecht is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Kristofer Thurecht directly for media enquiries about:

  • Nanomedicine polymer therapeutics
  • physical chemistry
  • Polymer
  • Polymer chemistry
  • Polymeric imaging agents

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au