The School has an excellent international reputation in research and success in external research funding. There is an ongoing program to keep research facilities at world standard, which has involved progressive upgrading of the School's laboratories and instrumentation and recruitment of academics with a strong research profile.

The School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria. New purpose-built research laboratories are located in the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science & Biotechnology building and the Chemistry building which has undergone major refurbishments. These exciting developments provide excellent facilities for researchers in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment.