Nanochemistry is a new discipline concerned with the unique properties associated with assemblies of atoms or molecules on a scale between that of the individual building blocks and the bulk material. At this level, quantum effects can be significant, and also innovative ways of carrying out chemical reactions become possible.

The NRI is a research institute of Curtin University of Technology and is comprised of academic staff members, research fellows, as well as PhD, Honours and 3rd year project students. The research undertaken by the group ranges from government-funded fundamental research to confidential one-on-one industrial projects. The NRI is also part of the West Australian Nanochemistry Institute (WANRI) that comprises groups from Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.