Professor Philip Gale is a distinguished Australian/British chemist renowned for his leadership in academic administration and supramolecular chemistry research. He currently serves as Deputy Dean of Science and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Technology Sydney, a position he assumed in February 2023 following significant leadership roles at the University of Sydney. Born in Liverpool, UK in 1969, Gale received his BA (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Oxford in 1992 and completed his DPhil under Professor Paul Beer. His academic journey includes a Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin with Professor Jonathan Sessler and progressive leadership roles at the University of Southampton where he served as Head of Chemistry from 2010 to 2016 and was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by Oxford in 2014.
Professor Gale has established himself as a world leader in the supramolecular chemistry of anions, making seminal contributions to anion recognition and transport mechanisms that have transformed this specialized field. His research group has pioneered innovative approaches to anionophore design, developing novel compounds that facilitate transmembrane anion transport with significant therapeutic potential. Gale's work on improving the activity and deliverability of anionophores has opened new avenues for their exploration as anti-cancer agents, demonstrating the translational impact of fundamental supramolecular chemistry research. His scholarly leadership is evidenced by his role as editor-in-chief of Coordination Chemistry Reviews and his recognition as an Australian Field Research Leader in both Chemistry & Material Sciences and Inorganic Chemistry by The Australian newspaper.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Professor Gale has significantly shaped the academic landscape through his mentorship of emerging scientists and leadership in institutional administration. He has cultivated a dynamic research group that has produced numerous PhD graduates now pursuing impactful careers in academia and industry, with former students exploring diverse applications of anion transport chemistry. As Associate Dean (International) at the University of Sydney and now Deputy Dean at UTS, Gale continues to influence the direction of chemical education and research across Australasia. His current work focuses on advancing the understanding of anion transport mechanisms while exploring novel therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment, positioning his research at the intersection of fundamental chemistry and biomedical innovation.
