DoctorDaniel Foley

Dr Daniel Foley is an organic and medicinal chemist in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences at the University of Canterbury. Dan leads a vibrant research team with interests spanning synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, working closely with key collaborators in biology. His research focuses on developing new synthetic methods, including preparing natural product‑inspired compounds, to accelerate the discovery of novel bioactive molecules (e.g. for drug and agrochemical discovery).

Originally from the UK, Daniel completed an MChem at the University of Manchester, followed by a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at the University of Leeds. His postdoctoral training includes an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Leeds & Diamond Light Source) and a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Fellowship at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology. He joined UC in 2018 and supervises researchers across a range of levels in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry projects.

Daniel’s recent recognitions include a Thieme Chemistry Journal Award 2025 and a University of St Andrews Global Fellowship (2025).

Link to Dan's personal website: https://foleynz.wixsite.com/foleylab