Chemistry Professors in China: A Guide for Students and Researchers
China has one of the largest chemistry research communities in the world. Many universities and institutes are ranked among the global top in chemistry. For students who want to study or collaborate in this field, it helps to know where to find leading chemistry professors in China and the research groups they lead.

Why Look for Chemistry Professors in China?
Research strength: Chinese universities publish widely in organic chemistry, catalysis, materials science, and chemical biology.
Modern labs: National funding supports advanced facilities in spectroscopy, nanotechnology, and energy research.
Opportunities for students: Many labs welcome international MPhil and PhD students.
Collaborations: Professors in China work closely with international partners, especially in Europe and the US.
Major Universities With Leading Chemistry Faculty
Here are some of the top institutions and their chemistry departments. Each has multiple professors specializing in different areas.
Peking University (PKU) – College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
Tsinghua University – Department of Chemistry
Fudan University – Department of Chemistry
University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) – School of Chemistry and Materials Science
Nankai University – College of Chemistry
Nanjing University – School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Zhejiang University – College of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Shanghai Jiao Tong University – School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Xiamen University – College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Wuhan University – College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
These universities list full faculty directories on their official websites. Students can browse profiles, research areas, and contact details.
Key Research Institutes in Chemistry
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) manages several world-class chemistry institutes. Some of the most notable are:
Institute of Chemistry (ICCAS) – Beijing
Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC)
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP)
Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC)
These institutes employ dozens of professors and group leaders who focus on advanced research in catalysis, polymers, surface chemistry, and energy materials.
I created a spreadsheet with 50+ chemistry departments and institutes in China (Mainland + Hong Kong) and their official faculty directory links so you can grab professors’ names and emails directly.
→ Download the CSVBelow is a clean, copy-ready pack you can use to email professors and ask for a recommendation for your MPhil in Chemistry—kept simple, direct, no fluff, and aligned with your style rules.
Research Areas Where Chinese Professors Excel
Catalysis – single-atom catalysts, CO₂ conversion, hydrogen production.
Organic synthesis – organofluorine, heterocycles, bioactive molecules.
Materials chemistry – polymers, nanomaterials, MOFs.
Analytical chemistry – spectroscopy, bioimaging, chemical sensing.
Energy chemistry – batteries, solar cells, photocatalysis.
How to Connect With Chemistry Professors in China
Visit the faculty directory of the university or institute.
Identify professors whose research matches your interests.
Read a few of their recent papers.
Write a short, polite email introducing yourself and your research idea.
Attach your CV, transcript, and a one-page summary of your proposal.
Steps to Write an Email to a Professor
Subject line – short and clear (e.g., Recommendation Request — MPhil Chemistry).
Greeting – always use Dear Professor [Last Name].
Introduction – say who you are, your degree, and why you’re writing.
Connection – mention their research area or a recent paper you read.
Your background – 1–2 sentences about your degree, GPA, and project experience.
Your plan – 1 sentence about your proposed research interest.
Request – politely ask if they could recommend you.
Close – thank them and sign off with full name and contact info.
Sample Email (Plain & Direct)
Subject: Recommendation Request — MPhil Chemistry
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I hope you are well. My name is [Your Name], and I hold a [Your Degree] in Chemistry from [Your University], with a GPA of [X.XX/4.0].
I am applying for an MPhil in Chemistry for [intake/term]. I admire your research in [specific area or recent paper], and it connects closely to my interests.
In my bachelor’s project, I worked on [1–2 lines about your project/skills]. For my MPhil, I plan to study [one sentence research idea].
If you are willing, I would be grateful if you could recommend me for my application. I can share my CV, transcript, and a short proposal for more details.
Thank you for considering my request. I understand if your schedule does not allow.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[City, Country]
Email: [Your Email] | Phone: [Your Phone]
[LinkedIn/Google Scholar link if you have one]
👉 Tip: Keep the first email short. Don’t attach files unless they ask. If they reply positively, then send your CV and proposal.
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