Profile: Matt Hall

Matt Hall is completing a PhD in Chemistry researching the use of platinum complexes as anti-cancer drugs. Platinum drugs work by binding to the DNA in the nucleus of the cancer cells, killing them. However, they also run into a lot of other molecules in the blood on the way to the cancer, causing nasty side effects to the patient. Matt explains that, by understanding platinum's interactions with the other biomolecules, a drug can hopefully be designed that is effective, but less damaging to the body.

"My area of research is within a field that is relatively unexplored territory and it transcends the boundaries of several science disciplines from chemistry and biology to biochemistry and pharmacology. With the number of cancer deaths appearing more prevalent, I feel that my research is contributing towards the tremendous body of research that is being carried out world-wide".