Monash chemist recognised with 2026 RACI Welcome Award
Dr Felipe García, recipient of the 2026 RACI Welcome Award.
Monash Science chemist Dr Felipe García has been named the recipient of the 2026 Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Welcome Award, recognising his contributions to Australian chemistry since joining Monash in 2024.
A Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry, Dr García is advancing sustainable chemical synthesis through mechanochemistry, an innovative approach to chemical synthesis that uses mechanical forces to promote chemical reactions, reducing or eliminating the need for conventional solvents.
His research aims to develop cleaner, more efficient methods of chemical manufacturing while strengthening Australia's capabilities in green chemistry and advanced materials.
Since joining Monash, Dr García has established a research program focused on solvent-free and low-solvent synthesis, building collaborations across Australian institutions and internationally.
His work includes developing scalable methods for producing platinum-based anticancer compounds and investigating ways to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products, demonstrating the potential of mechanochemistry to reduce solvent use and waste.
Beyond his research, Dr García is helping build Australia's mechanochemistry research community through collaboration, infrastructure development and education.
In 2025, he chaired the organisation of Australia's first mechanochemistry workshop, Mechanochemistry: Grinding out Greener Chemistry Manufacturing, bringing together researchers, students and stakeholders to explore opportunities for more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Together with colleagues across Australian universities, he is also leading to establish a nationally connected mechanochemistry facility at Monash, designed to provide researchers with access to specialised equipment and support the translation of laboratory discoveries into scalable manufacturing processes.
Dr García's commitment to sustainability extends to teaching. He has contributed to the development of new units for Monash's Extended Major in Sustainability, scheduled to commence in 2027, helping prepare the next generation of scientists to address environmental challenges through chemistry.
“Mechanochemistry offers an exciting opportunity to rethink how we make chemicals and materials, with the potential to reduce solvent use, waste and energy consumption,” Dr Garcia said.
“Since arriving in Australia, one of my priorities has been to bring together researchers from different disciplines and institutions, creating new collaborations and developing the capabilities needed to translate these approaches into practical applications,” he said.
“Receiving this award is a wonderful recognition of these collective efforts.”
Further information
Silvia Dropulich
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Email: silvia.dropulich@monash.edu