Professor Wilton-Ely's research involves bridging the gap between molecular compounds and the nanoscale. His group uses their synthetic expertise to functionalise nanostructures with molecular species and apply these materials to fields as diverse as medical imaging (MRI and PET), sensing (CO and heavy metals) and catalysis (C-H activation, C-C bond formation). Of particular interest is the development of new attachment methods for gold nanoparticles, which allow multiple surface units to be incorporated in a stepwise, modular fashion. The group's work also extends to the preparation and use of core-shell nanoparticles and mesoporous silica materials. A major focus of our research is the field of theranostic materials in which multimodal imaging (MRI, PET, fluorescence) is combined with therapeutic action (photodynamic and photothermal therapies) to image and treat disease. They work with collaborators at Imperial College, UCL and KCL and supervise a number of projects as part of the CDT in Medical Imaging between Imperial College and King’s College.