Prof Paul Wright is a distinguished scholar and leading authority in physical chemistry at the University of St Andrews. He currently serves as Professor of Physical Chemistry and Head of Physical Chemistry Teaching at the institution, a position he has held since his promotion to Professor in 2010. After obtaining his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1986 under the supervision of the renowned Prof. Sir John Meurig Thomas, Wright established his research credentials during a tenure at Shell R&D in the Netherlands from 1986 to 1990. He then expanded his expertise as a post-doctoral researcher and Assistant Director at the prestigious Davy-Faraday Laboratory at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in London before joining the University of St Andrews faculty in 1994.
Professor Wright's pioneering research has significantly advanced the field of microporous materials, particularly in the synthesis and application of novel zeolites and metal organic frameworks. His work encompasses the design of innovative templates for zeolite structures, the development of microporous solids for adsorption processes, and their catalytic applications across various chemical reactions. The impact of his scholarly contributions was recognized with the prestigious RSC/SCI Barrer Prize in 1999, highlighting his exceptional work in the field of porous materials. In 2008, he solidified his standing as a thought leader by publishing the comprehensive RSC monograph Microporous Framework Solids, which has become an essential reference for researchers worldwide.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Wright has made substantial contributions to chemical education as the Head of Physical Chemistry Teaching at St Andrews, where he designs and delivers courses in Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Heterogeneous Catalysis across multiple undergraduate and graduate levels. He actively mentors the next generation of chemists through supervision of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers working on cutting-edge projects involving MOFs and zeolites for applications including carbon dioxide capture and bifunctional catalysis. His leadership extends to the international community through his past roles as Chairman of the British Zeolite Association and Secretary and Vice President of the International Zeolite Association. Currently, his research group continues to explore innovative approaches to porous materials, with recent projects focusing on the development of advanced frameworks for direct air capture of CO2 and novel catalytic applications in organic synthesis.
