Anthony Masters

Professor Anthony Masters is a Professor in the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, at the University of Sydney. He obtained his BSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and his PhD from the Australian National University in 1976. After completing his doctorate, he held positions at the Universities of Oxford, Western Ontario, and Cornell, as well as serving as Research Fellow and Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, before joining the University of Sydney in 1990. At Sydney, he advanced to the position of Professor and currently serves as Chair of the Academic Board. His academic career encompasses extensive contributions to teaching and research supervision, earning him recognition including the 2005 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence.

Masters' research specializations lie in catalysis and sustainable chemistry, with interests in organometallic chemistry, olefin metathesis, green organic synthesis, photocatalysis, and innovative integrations of First Nations perspectives into chemistry education and practice. His laboratory, part of collaborative efforts like the MMY Research Group, investigates selective catalytic processes for sustainable applications, such as hydrogen production from formic acid dehydrogenation, methylation of biopolymers like chitosan using dimethyl carbonate, hydrothermal liquefaction of plastics and lignin for renewable BTEX chemicals, and development of an Australian First Nations periodic table. He has authored numerous publications, including 'Hydrogen from Formic Acid via Its Selective Disproportionation over Sodium Germanate' (2014), 'Single-Step Methylation of Chitosan Using Dimethyl Carbonate as a Green Methylating Agent' (2019), 'Isopropenyl Esters (iPEs) in Green Organic Synthesis' (2022), 'Elements of Country: a First Nations-first approach to chemistry' (2023), and 'Molybdenum Carbide, Supercritical Ethanol and Base: Keys for Unlocking Renewable BTEX from Lignin' (2023). With over 6,000 citations, his work has significant impact in advancing green catalysis and bridging Indigenous knowledge with contemporary chemical sciences. Masters has secured funded research grants and contributes to faculty research strengths in sustainability.

Professional Email: anthony.masters@sydney.edu.au