Professor Thurecht’s research focusses on the development of polymer and nanoparticle-based devices for nanomedicine. For polymers to be truly effective in nanomedicine, they must incorporate new therapies while maintaining their physical and chemical integrity. This can only be achieved by developing a strong understanding of the fundamental properties of the nanomaterial-delivery system, in addition to identifying and successfully delivering new therapies. Central to the development of these future therapeutic platforms, is the field of theranostics, where molecular imaging plays a key role in understanding the dynamics of polymeric nanomedicines. Assoc Prof Thurecht’s team works across the boundaries of chemistry and materials, biology, engineering and imaging science to probe how nanomaterial properties affect their function in complex systems, including living animals. The team particularly focusses on utilising advanced molecular imaging to investigate the intricate interplay between structure and function of nanomaterial in vivo.​
He has contributed scientific and review articles to various leading journals in his field, including invited articles in the Emerging Young Investigator issue of Chemical Communications and a Young Talent article in Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. ARC Linkage Grants, with both national and international companies; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants; and funding from various cancer foundations. He is co-inventor on three patents. He is also CI on two major ARC Centres: The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in BioMedical Imaging Technology in which he is theme leader.​