Professor Viji Sarojini
We are delighted to announce that Professor Viji Sarojini has been elected as Fellow of the NZIC in recognition of her sustained and distinguished contribution to chemical science and the NZIC.
Professor Sarojini started her independent academic career at the University of Auckland- Waipapa Taumata Rau in 2006 and, over the last two decades, has developed a research programme which is regarded internationally for its excellence in peptide chemistry, organic and medicinal chemistry, and green chemistry education. She was a founding member, and is now the Deputy Director, of the Centre for Green Chemical Science (CGCS) as well being the Deputy Head of School of Chemical Sciences (Academic).
Throughout her career, Professor Sarojini has demonstrated a commitment to the chemistry community in Aotearoa New Zealand having been actively involved with the Auckland Branch of the NZIC, notably as the Branch Chair 2012-2013 and as Branch Editor for Chemistry in New Zealand. She is also involved in a number of other national and international societies that represent the interests of scientists.
Professor Sarojini’s research approach emphasises interdisciplinary and application-driven research that connects molecular science to outcomes in health, sustainability, and industry, and she has fostered a large number of productive collaborations with academics and industry partners in New Zealand and overseas. This is reflected in her impressive publication record with > 75 peer reviewed research papers published in reputed international journals. Professor Sarojini has obtained several research grants as a primary investigator including an MBIE Smart Ideas award (2021), an Auckland Medical Research Foundation award (2020), and an Arthritis New Zealand Grant in 2013. She has been a co-investigator on several other prestigious grants including from the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Her primary research involves the development of peptide-based therapeutics against infectious diseases and cancer. She is also particularly interested in applying her knowledge and research skills in solving problems of importance to Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural environment such as developing environmentally benign solutions to combat kauri dieback. A key aspect of her research and teaching innovation has been the integration of green chemistry principles into research practice and teaching laboratories. She held a key leadership role in establishing undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry-centred, interdisciplinary pathways in Green Chemistry and has developed initiatives that have strengthened graduate employability and aligned chemistry education with societal and environmental challenges relevant to New Zealand. Professor Sarojini has a strong record of supervising and mentoring postgraduate research students, many of whom have progressed to successful careers in academia, industry, and the public sector in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and India. She has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to mentoring Māori and Pasifika students across all levels of study, supporting their progression as independent researchers. She has been a strong advocate for advancing the participation and recognition of women in chemistry throughout her career.
Professor Sarojini regards professional service as both leadership and stewardship: the responsibility to create environments in which others can thrive, and to ensure that chemistry remains a socially responsive, inclusive, and ethically grounded discipline. Her work aligns strongly with the objectives of the NZIC to promote chemistry for the benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand society.