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)

261 - 279 of 279 works

2007

Journal Article

GECO-DOSY Post-Processing Analysis of Polymers

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Howdle, Steven M., Davis, Adrienne L. and Hyde, Jason R. (2007). GECO-DOSY Post-Processing Analysis of Polymers. Macromolecules, 40 (4), 976-982. doi: 10.1021/ma061345q

GECO-DOSY Post-Processing Analysis of Polymers

2007

Journal Article

Supercritical CO2: an effective medium for the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of block copolymers

Villarroya, Silvia, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Heise, Andreas and Howdle, Steven M. (2007). Supercritical CO2: an effective medium for the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of block copolymers. Chemical communications, 37 (37), 3805-3813. doi: 10.1039/b701128h

Supercritical CO2: an effective medium for the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of block copolymers

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis of graft copolymers by the combination of ATRP and Enzymatic ROP in scC02

Villarroya, Silvia, Zhou, Jiaxiang, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). Synthesis of graft copolymers by the combination of ATRP and Enzymatic ROP in scC02. Macromolecules, 39 (26), 9080-9086. doi: 10.1021/ma061068n

Synthesis of graft copolymers by the combination of ATRP and Enzymatic ROP in scC02

2006

Journal Article

Investigation of spontaneous microemulsion formation in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Hill, David J. T. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2006). Investigation of spontaneous microemulsion formation in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR. Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 38 (1), 111-118. doi: 10.1016/j.supflu.2005.11.021

Investigation of spontaneous microemulsion formation in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR

2006

Journal Article

One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(ε-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2

Zhou, Jiaxiang, Villarroya, Silvia, Wang, Wenxin, Wyatt, Mark F., Duxbury, Christopher J., Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(ε-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2. Macromolecules, 39 (16), 5352-5358. doi: 10.1021/ma060046y

One-step chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(ε-caprolactone-block-methyl methacrylate) in supercritical CO2

2006

Journal Article

Simultaneous enzymatic ring opening polymerisation and RAFT-mediated polymerisation in supercritical CO2

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Gregory, Andrew M., Villarroya, Silvia, Zhou, Jiaxiang, Heise, Andreas and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). Simultaneous enzymatic ring opening polymerisation and RAFT-mediated polymerisation in supercritical CO2. Chemical Communications, 42 (42), 4383-4385. doi: 10.1039/b611626d

Simultaneous enzymatic ring opening polymerisation and RAFT-mediated polymerisation in supercritical CO2

2006

Journal Article

NMR microscopy: A tool for measuring monomer diffusion in supercritical CO2

Thurecht, Kistofer J., T Hill, David J. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2006). NMR microscopy: A tool for measuring monomer diffusion in supercritical CO2. Macromolecular Chemistry And Physics, 207 (17), 1539-1545. doi: 10.1002/macp.200600245

NMR microscopy: A tool for measuring monomer diffusion in supercritical CO2

2006

Journal Article

Kinetics of Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Thurecht, Kristofer J., Heise, Andreas, deGeus, Matthijs, Villarroya, Silvia, Zhou, Jiaxiang, Wyatt, Mark F. and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). Kinetics of Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Macromolecules, 39 (23), 7967-7972. doi: 10.1021/ma061310q

Kinetics of Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

2006

Journal Article

Simultaneous Dynamic Kinetic Resolution in Combination with Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Zhou, Jiaxiang, Wang, Wenxin, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Villarroya, Silvia and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). Simultaneous Dynamic Kinetic Resolution in Combination with Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization. Macromolecules, 39 (21), 7302-7305. doi: 10.1021/ma0614388

Simultaneous Dynamic Kinetic Resolution in Combination with Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization

2006

Journal Article

Enzymatic polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide

Villarroya, Silvia, Zhou, Jiaxiang, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Howdle, Steven M. (2006). Enzymatic polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide. Polymer Preprints, 47 (2), 231-232.

Enzymatic polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide

2005

Journal Article

Equilibrium swelling measurements of network and semicrystalline polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR

Thurecht, K. J., Hill, D. J. T. and Whittaker, A. K. (2005). Equilibrium swelling measurements of network and semicrystalline polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR. Macromolecules, 38 (9), 3731-3737. doi: 10.1021/ma0503108

Equilibrium swelling measurements of network and semicrystalline polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide using high-pressure NMR

2005

Other Outputs

Synthesis and characterisation of polymers using supercritical carbon dioxide and NMR

Thurecht, K. J. (2005). Synthesis and characterisation of polymers using supercritical carbon dioxide and NMR. PhD Thesis, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/107324

Synthesis and characterisation of polymers using supercritical carbon dioxide and NMR

2004

Journal Article

Determination of domain sizes in blends of poly(ethylene) and poly(styrene) formed in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide

Thurecht, K. J., Hill, D. J. T., Preston, C. M. L., Rintoul, L., White, J. W. and Whittaker, A. K. (2004). Determination of domain sizes in blends of poly(ethylene) and poly(styrene) formed in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide. Macromolecules, 37 (16), 6019-6026. doi: 10.1021/ma0492622

Determination of domain sizes in blends of poly(ethylene) and poly(styrene) formed in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide

2003

Journal Article

New structure formation on gamma-irradiation of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)

Hill, D. J. T., Thurecht, K. J. and Whittaker, A. K. (2003). New structure formation on gamma-irradiation of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene). Radiation Physics And Chemistry, 67 (6), 729-736. doi: 10.1016/S0969-806X(03)00004-5

New structure formation on gamma-irradiation of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)

2003

Conference Publication

Application of Raman Spectroscopic Mapping for the Characterisation of High Performance Polymers

Rintoul, L., Thurecht, K., Chen, L., Goh, K., Hill, D. J. T. and Whittaker, A. K. (2003). Application of Raman Spectroscopic Mapping for the Characterisation of High Performance Polymers. 5th Australian Conference on Vibrational Spectroscopy, Melbourne, 29 Sep - 2 Oct 2003. CSIRO.

Application of Raman Spectroscopic Mapping for the Characterisation of High Performance Polymers

2003

Journal Article

NMR studies of polymers formed in and within supercritical CO2.

Whittaker, AK, Hill, DJT and Thurecht, K (2003). NMR studies of polymers formed in and within supercritical CO2.. Abstracts of Papers of The American Chemical Society, 225, U591-U591.

NMR studies of polymers formed in and within supercritical CO2.

2003

Journal Article

A study of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) by ESR spectroscopy

Hill, D. J. T., Thurecht, K. J. and Whittaker, A. K. (2003). A study of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) by ESR spectroscopy. Radiation Physics And Chemistry, 68 (5), 857-864. doi: 10.1016/S0969-806X(03)00313-X

A study of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) by ESR spectroscopy

2002

Conference Publication

Radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) for biomedical purposes

Hill, D. J. T., Thurecht, K. J. and Whittaker, A. K. (2002). Radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) for biomedical purposes. Qld Polymer Group Satellite Symposium, Brisbane, 6-8 February, 2002.

Radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) for biomedical purposes

2002

Conference Publication

Aspects of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)

Hill, D. J. T., Thurecht, K. J. and Whittaker, A. K. (2002). Aspects of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene). 25th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Armidale, 10-13 February, 2002.

Aspects of the radiation chemistry of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)

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

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