ProfessorRichard Hartshorn

Key words: bioinorganic chemistry; photoactivated cytotoxins; chemical nomenclature; digital standards for chemical structure representation

My research centres on ligand synthesis (organic chemistry), complex synthesis (inorganic chemistry), and the study of reactivity in systems that often have biological or biochemical relevance. My group works at the interface of organic and inorganic chemistry, designing and synthesising ligands and coordination complexes—particularly those containing more than one kind of metal ion. We’re especially interested in heterodinuclear and mixed-metal systems with potential as photoactivated anticancer agents, and in using metal centres to direct the synthesis of novel amino acid derivatives.

KEY PROJECTS

One of our key projects involves the development of light-triggered cytotoxic complexes. A major challenge in cancer therapy is targeting tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue, and light activation offers a promising solution. We’ve developed a Ru(II)-Co(III) complex that undergoes photoinduced electron transfer upon exposure to blue light, converting Co(III) to Co(II) and releasing ligands in a controlled fashion (Dalton Trans., 2012: 14425–14432). Building on this, we are synthesising derivatives with cytotoxic ligands masked within the coordination sphere of Co(III), enabling selective activation. We are also investigating Zn(II)-porphyrin-Co(III) systems with similar photochemical behaviour, but in this case using red light. These projects present significant synthetic challenges, particularly in stabilising reactive intermediates and controlling ligand exchange pathways.

Another strand of my research explores the use of metal centres to control stereoselective synthesis, particularly in the generation of novel amino acid derivatives. This work contributes to the broader field of bioinorganic and medicinal chemistry, expanding the synthetic toolkit for biologically relevant molecules.

BEYOND THE LAB

Beyond the laboratory, I have a longstanding interest in chemical nomenclature and structure representation. I’ve co-authored several IUPAC books and articles that define international standards for chemical nomenclature and terminology, helping ensure clarity and consistency in the way chemistry is communicated. Some of these publications have been translated into multiple different languages, thereby demonstrating the international impact of my work. My involvement in this area, along with broader leadership activities, led to election to two four-year terms as Secretary General of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. I’ve recently been elected Vice President of CODATA, the Committee on Data of the International Science Council, where I contribute to global discussions on data quality, research data governance, infrastructure, and policy. I am a member of the Trust Board for the International Chemical Identifier (InChI) Trust, and I chair the Advisory Board for the UK Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure (PSDI) project.

RESEARCH COLLABORATION & INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

I also maintain an active interest in a broad range of research collaborations and supporting businesses and organisations with chemistry-related challenges. This has spanned from using chemistry to add value to Low-Value Industrial Product Streams, as well as consulting on chemical synthesis, chemical nomenclature, and data stewardship. I enjoy working across sectors to translate complex chemical knowledge into practical solutions — whether advising on product development, contributing to cross discipline projects standards, or helping teams navigate the intersection of chemistry and digital infrastructure.