Professor Craig Williams
Professor

Craig Williams

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53530

Background

Craig M. Williams was born in Adelaide, Australia. He received his B.Sc. (Hons) degree in chemistry in 1994 from Flinders University. In 1997, he was awarded his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the same institution under the supervision of Professor Rolf H. Prager. He undertook post-doctoral studies as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow working with Professor Armin de Meijere at the Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany, from 1997 to 1999. In early 1999, he accepted a second post-doctoral fellowship at the Australian National University with Professor Lewis N. Mander.

Professor Williams has held an academic position at the University of Queensland since 2000, and during this time has won a number of awards including a Thieme Chemistry Journals Award in 2007, an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship award in 2011, and the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research (SCMB, UQ, 2019). The Williams research group explores numerous interests within the discipline of organic chemistry (e.g. medicinal chemistry, fundamental molecules, natural productisolation, microelectronics, drug and agrichemical development, impact sensitive molecules) enabled by organic synthesis refined through the construction of biologically active complex natural products (diterpenes, polyketides, alkaloids), and designs synthetic methodology to assist in this endeavour (synthetic transformations and reagents). Professor Williams especially enjoys teaching whole molecule retrosynthesis to undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Availability

Professor Craig Williams is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry Organic chemistry

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Flinders University

Research impacts

He has published more than 170 scientific papers, patents, review articles and book chapters that have been cited over 2700 times. Since starting his independent career in mid 2000 CMW has attracted substantial research funding as a sole investigator through fundamental and applied research and associated industry engagement (UQ, ARC, NHMRC, DPIF, CSIRO, DAAD, BioTech). Professor Williams has supervised over 120 young researchers to date. H-Index=28.

Search Professor Craig Williams’s works on UQ eSpace

240 works between 1995 and 2025
All (240) Journal Article (225) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (6) Other Outputs (4)

221 - 240 of 240 works

2003

Journal Article

Bridgehead arylation: A direct route to advanced intermediates for the synthesis of C-20 diterpene alkaloids

Williams, C. M. and Mander, L. N. (2003). Bridgehead arylation: A direct route to advanced intermediates for the synthesis of C-20 diterpene alkaloids. Organic Letters, 5 (19), 3499-3502. doi: 10.1021/ol0353060

Bridgehead arylation: A direct route to advanced intermediates for the synthesis of C-20 diterpene alkaloids

2003

Journal Article

Intramolecular titanium-mediated aminocyclopropanation of terminal alkenes: Easy access to various substituted azabicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes

Tebben, G. D., Rauch, K., Stratmann, C., Williams, C. M. and de Meijere, A. (2003). Intramolecular titanium-mediated aminocyclopropanation of terminal alkenes: Easy access to various substituted azabicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes. Organic Letters, 5 (4), 483-485. doi: 10.1021/ol027352q

Intramolecular titanium-mediated aminocyclopropanation of terminal alkenes: Easy access to various substituted azabicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes

2003

Journal Article

An improved preparation of 4-amino-3-mercaptobenzoic acid

Lang, R. C., Williams, C. M. and Garson, M. J. (2003). An improved preparation of 4-amino-3-mercaptobenzoic acid. Organic Preparations And Procedures International, 35 (3), 520-524. doi: 10.1080/00304940309355864

An improved preparation of 4-amino-3-mercaptobenzoic acid

2002

Journal Article

Mono- and disubstituted Nu,Nu-dialkylcyclopropylamines from dialkylformamides via ligand-exchanged titanium-alkene complexes

de Meijere, A, Williams, CM, Kourdioukov, A, Sviridov, SV, Chaplinski, V, Kordes, M, Savchenko, AI, Stratmann, C and Noltemeyer, M (2002). Mono- and disubstituted Nu,Nu-dialkylcyclopropylamines from dialkylformamides via ligand-exchanged titanium-alkene complexes. Chemistry: A European Journal, 8 (16), 3789-3801. doi: 10.1002/1521-3765(20020816)8:163.0.CO;2-R

Mono- and disubstituted Nu,Nu-dialkylcyclopropylamines from dialkylformamides via ligand-exchanged titanium-alkene complexes

2002

Journal Article

1-(Phenylethynyl)adamantane

Raine, A. L., Williams, C. M. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2002). 1-(Phenylethynyl)adamantane. Acta Crystallographica Section E - Structure Reports, E58 (12), 1439-1440. doi: 10.1107/S1600536802021542

1-(Phenylethynyl)adamantane

2002

Journal Article

Inhibition of adventitious rooting in Backhousia citriodora F. Muell cuttings correlate with the concentration of essential oil

Kibbler, H., Williams, C. M., Williams, R. R. and Johnston, M. E. (2002). Inhibition of adventitious rooting in Backhousia citriodora F. Muell cuttings correlate with the concentration of essential oil. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, 77 (6), 705-711. doi: 10.1080/14620316.2002.11511560

Inhibition of adventitious rooting in Backhousia citriodora F. Muell cuttings correlate with the concentration of essential oil

2001

Journal Article

Chromatography with silver nitrate

Williams, C. M. and Mander, L. N. (2001). Chromatography with silver nitrate. Tetrahedron, 57 (3), 425-447. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4020(00)00927-3

Chromatography with silver nitrate

2000

Journal Article

An unprecedented stereoselective titanium-mediated dihydrodimerization of allyl ethers and allylamines

de Meijere, A, Stecker, B, Kourdioukov, A and Williams, CM (2000). An unprecedented stereoselective titanium-mediated dihydrodimerization of allyl ethers and allylamines. Synthesis-Stuttgart (7), 929-934. doi: 10.1055/s-2000-6297

An unprecedented stereoselective titanium-mediated dihydrodimerization of allyl ethers and allylamines

1999

Journal Article

The synthesis of almazoles A and B

Khalafy, J, Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1999). The synthesis of almazoles A and B. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 52 (1), 31-36. doi: 10.1071/C98093

The synthesis of almazoles A and B

1999

Journal Article

Base-catalysed rearrangements of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles

Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1999). Base-catalysed rearrangements of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles. Heterocycles, 51 (12), 3013-3030.

Base-catalysed rearrangements of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles

1998

Journal Article

Easy access to various substituted 4-aminocyclopentenes by rearrangement of 2-ethenyl-substituted cyclopropylamines

Williams, CM and de Meijere, A (1998). Easy access to various substituted 4-aminocyclopentenes by rearrangement of 2-ethenyl-substituted cyclopropylamines. Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1 (22), 3699-3702. doi: 10.1039/a807012a

Easy access to various substituted 4-aminocyclopentenes by rearrangement of 2-ethenyl-substituted cyclopropylamines

1998

Journal Article

Unexpected titanium shifts during cyclopropanation of N,N-dibenzylformamide with ligand-exchanged titanium-alkadiene complexes

Williams, CM, Chaplinski, V, Schreiner, PR and de Meijere, A (1998). Unexpected titanium shifts during cyclopropanation of N,N-dibenzylformamide with ligand-exchanged titanium-alkadiene complexes. Tetrahedron Letters, 39 (42), 7695-7698. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01665-7

Unexpected titanium shifts during cyclopropanation of N,N-dibenzylformamide with ligand-exchanged titanium-alkadiene complexes

1998

Journal Article

A new synthesis of chiral aminoalkyloxazolecarboxylate esters from isoxazol-5(2H)-ones: the synthesis of almazoles A and B

Khalafy, J, Svensson, CE, Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1998). A new synthesis of chiral aminoalkyloxazolecarboxylate esters from isoxazol-5(2H)-ones: the synthesis of almazoles A and B. Tetrahedron Letters, 39 (30), 5405-5408. doi: 10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01014-4

A new synthesis of chiral aminoalkyloxazolecarboxylate esters from isoxazol-5(2H)-ones: the synthesis of almazoles A and B

1997

Journal Article

The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .19. The synthesis and photolysis of N-thioacylisoxazol-5(2H)-ones

Prager, RH, Taylor, MR and Williams, CM (1997). The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .19. The synthesis and photolysis of N-thioacylisoxazol-5(2H)-ones. Journal of The Chemical Society-perkin Transactions 1 (17), 2673-2678. doi: 10.1039/a700646b

The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .19. The synthesis and photolysis of N-thioacylisoxazol-5(2H)-ones

1997

Journal Article

Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .17. Acylation of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles

Prager, RH, Smith, JA, Weber, B and Williams, CM (1997). Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .17. Acylation of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles. Journal of The Chemical Society-perkin Transactions 1 (17), 2659-2664. doi: 10.1039/a700133i

Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .17. Acylation of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles

1997

Journal Article

Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .18. Synthesis of oxazoles by the photolysis and pyrolysis of 2-acyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydroisoxazoles

Prager, RH, Smith, JA, Weber, B and Williams, CM (1997). Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .18. Synthesis of oxazoles by the photolysis and pyrolysis of 2-acyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydroisoxazoles. Journal of The Chemical Society-perkin Transactions 1 (17), 2665-2672. doi: 10.1039/a700134g

Chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .18. Synthesis of oxazoles by the photolysis and pyrolysis of 2-acyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydroisoxazoles

1996

Journal Article

The synthesis of oxazoles by thermolysis or photolysis of 2-acylisoxazol-5-ones

Ang K.H., Prager R.H., Smith J.A., Weber B. and Williams C.M. (1996). The synthesis of oxazoles by thermolysis or photolysis of 2-acylisoxazol-5-ones. Tetrahedron Letters, 37 (5), 675-678. doi: 10.1016/0040-4039(95)02240-6

The synthesis of oxazoles by thermolysis or photolysis of 2-acylisoxazol-5-ones

1996

Journal Article

The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .16. A new synthesis of pyrroles, furans, thiophens and their benzo analogues

Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1996). The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .16. A new synthesis of pyrroles, furans, thiophens and their benzo analogues. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 49 (12), 1315-1323. doi: 10.1071/CH9961315

The chemistry of 5-oxodihydroisoxazoles .16. A new synthesis of pyrroles, furans, thiophens and their benzo analogues

1995

Journal Article

The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .13. Reactions of the Imino Carbene Derived From Photolysis of Ethyl 5-Oxo-2-Phenyl-2,5-Dihydroisoxazole-4-Carboxylate

Ang, KH, Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1995). The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .13. Reactions of the Imino Carbene Derived From Photolysis of Ethyl 5-Oxo-2-Phenyl-2,5-Dihydroisoxazole-4-Carboxylate. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 48 (3), 567-575. doi: 10.1071/CH9950567

The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .13. Reactions of the Imino Carbene Derived From Photolysis of Ethyl 5-Oxo-2-Phenyl-2,5-Dihydroisoxazole-4-Carboxylate

1995

Journal Article

The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .12. Trapping of Derived Ketenimines with Lithium Amides and Alkyllithiums

Ang, KH, Prager, RH and Williams, CM (1995). The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .12. Trapping of Derived Ketenimines with Lithium Amides and Alkyllithiums. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 48 (1), 55-63. doi: 10.1071/CH9950055

The Chemistry of 5-Oxodihydroisoxazoles .12. Trapping of Derived Ketenimines with Lithium Amides and Alkyllithiums

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2027
    Evolving the nitrogen-nitrogen three electron bond as a technology enabler
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Emergent organocopper complexes as robust catalysts for electrosynthesis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Cryo-EM inspired drug discovery to treat human fungal pathogenic infections
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Pioneering stable copper carbanions for new C-C bond forming paradigms
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Modulation of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome with probiotics and subsequent Methane production as a novel approach to treat constipation: A Proof of Principle Study (TRI Sport Grant led by PAH)
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Herbicide discovery for Australian WONS based on developments in the bioisostere concept - Phase 2
    Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A Gas Chromatography-High Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry Facility
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A versatile accurate mass, high resolution QTOF mass spectrometer for chemistry and proteomic applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Novel Drugs to Reduce the Human Scabies Burden (NHMRC Project Grant led by The Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research)
    Queensland Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Chemical Building Block Size Principles for Discovery Chemists
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Gas chromatography: Separating inseparables, identifying unidentifiables (ARC LIEF grant administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Feeding behaviour of Soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)) larvae and the effects on sugar cane
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Herbicide Discovery for Australian WONS Based on Developments in the Bioisostere Concept
    Commonwealth Department of Social Services
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    A nuclear magnetic resonance facility for modern molecular analysis
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Integrative blood coagulation research core facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Novel Pain therapeutics discovery: Probing molecular mechanisms
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Pioneering new oxidation catalysis paradigms for organic synthesis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Structure elucidation and spectroscopic analysis
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Structure elucidation and spectroscopic analysis - B
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Advanced applications of bromine based chemistry
    Bromine Compounds Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Acetohydroxyacid synthase: A new drug target for human fungal pathogens
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Novel analgesics for improved relief of cancer induced bone pain
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Novel analgesics for improved treatment of chronic cancer pain
    Queensland Emory Development Alliance
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Chemically Re-Engineering Bioactive Natural Products using Fragment Based Drug Design
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Developing a paradigm shift in new pharmaceutical and agrochemical design
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Linking Chemical Synthesis with Protein Discovery to Reveal Key Biological Pathways
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Analytical and preparative enantioselective chromatography
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    An X-Ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Neurotrophic Active Natural Products: Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Neovibsanins A and B, and Analogues
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    ESEG_Australian Microbial Biodiscovery: Exploration of Bioactive Chemical Space
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Synthesis And Pharmacological Evaluation Of Strong Opioid Analgesics With Improved Side-Effect Profiles
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Targeted Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules- General Principles for Developing 'Designer' Biocides
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The Insect-Plant Chemical Ecology Network (IPCEN)
    ARC Seed Funding for Research Networks
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Management of postharvest diseases of subtropical and tropical fruit using their natural resistance mechanisms
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Characterisation of Antifungal Compounds in Australian Mango Cultivars
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Unprecedented Alkaloid Hybrids that Selectively Modulate Various Cancers and the Central Nervous System
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Virtual Screening In Structure-Based Drug Design For Malaria
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Bicyclononanolides - A biological activityplothora in Queensland's backyard
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2001
    The synthesis of stroke injury blockers
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Craig Williams is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The synthesis of strained chemical building blocks as technology enablers

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of innovative synthetic methodologies: electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition (eATRA) and strained nitrogen ring synthesis paradigms

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Bernhardt

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pioneering stable copper carbanions for new C-C bond forming paradigms

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Bernhardt

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Discovery of New Herbicides

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Luke Guddat

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synthesis and applications of glycosaminoglycan mimetics

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Vito Ferro

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Microbial manufacturing of plant saponin-inspired vaccine adjuvants

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor James De Voss

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Cryo-EM inspired antifungal drug discovery

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk, Professor Luke Guddat

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of new chemical tools for probing glycosaminoglycan-dependent cellular processes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Vito Ferro

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing novel copper catalysts for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using electrosynthesis.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Masnun Naher, Professor Paul Bernhardt

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synthesis of inhibitors and probes for heparan sulfate degrading enzymes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Vito Ferro

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing next generation green herbicides

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Luke Guddat

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Cryo-EM inspired antifungal drug discovery

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk, Professor Luke Guddat

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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