UNSW expert wins funding to advance pharmaceutical discoveries

A UNSW Sydney researcher has secured $1.18 million through the Australian Research Council’s Mid-Career Industry Fellowships scheme.

Associate Professor Vinh Nguyen from the School of Chemistry at UNSW Science is among 25 recipients of a coveted Fellowship announced by the Australian Research Council (ARC).

A/Prof. Nguyen received a grant of $1.18 million to advance his work creating innovative chemical methods to develop new and improved medicines.

The ARC’s Mid-Career Industry Fellowships support two-way movement between academia and industry, helping researchers build skills in collaboration, translation and commercialisation.

A/Prof. Nguyen said the Fellowship would also lead to significant investment in training highly skilled researchers, equipping the next generation of scientists with specialised expertise in chemical synthesis, drug discovery and industry collaboration.

“With this ARC grant, we can translate fundamental chemistry into something that's applicable and beneficial for society.”

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox said she was excited to see what the Fellowship could lead to. 

“Associate Professor Vinh Nguyen’s project is a brilliant example of how fundamental research can spark real innovation in drug discovery,” Prof. Fox said.

“This project has the potential to accelerate therapeutic breakthroughs and strengthen Australia’s pharmaceutical pipeline. At UNSW, we’re proud to support research that pushes the boundaries of chemistry and delivers tangible benefits to global health.”

Innovative methods to improve pharmaceuticals

A/Prof. Nguyen will work with industry partner The Benignancy Group to develop new chemical techniques. His work focuses on improving the structure of naturally occurring molecules that already have some biological effects, like those found in plants or marine organisms.

By making precise edits to the ‘skeleton’ or core structure of these molecules, researchers aim to boost their potency and usefulness in medicine, resulting in improved compounds and more effective drug treatments.

The project also offers more efficient ways of designing and developing complex chemical compounds, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

“This fellowship gives me great flexibility to explore the science that we've been determined to discover in this field for a long time,” A/Prof. Nguyen said.

“The key project that we've been working on with Benignancy is to try and embed bioactive molecules or drugs onto polymeric material coming from biomass and then trying to slowly release them into a living organism or the body. So, we’re aiming for sustained release over a long period of time.

“Imagine if you have some disease or infection that you need to treat, we can insert that sort of biomaterial in there, and then you don't have to visit the clinic as frequently for treatment.”

Investing in better health outcomes

It’s hoped the project will lead to more effective pharmaceutical treatments with broader benefits for Australia’s healthcare sector. By developing advanced synthetic methods tailored to industry needs, the partnership will boost local production capabilities and strengthen the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.

ARC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ute Roessner, said the Mid-Career Industry Fellowships scheme strengthened the collaboration skills of mid-career researchers, spanning both industry and academic settings. The program enhances Australia’s research capability and delivers significant, actionable outcomes for industry partners and research end-users.

“These projects will enable mid-career researchers to work closely with industry on challenges of national importance, whether that’s improving early childhood learning environments or advancing sustainable energy storage solutions,” Prof. Roessner said.

“By strengthening pathways for collaboration, the scheme builds two-way mobility, supports skill development, and ensures that research is closely aligned with industry needs.”