Philip has extensive qualifications in science - BSc Hons (W.Aust), MSc (W.Aust), PhD (Curtin) and education - DipEd (Murd.) and GDipAppSc (W.Aust.C.A.E.).

Most of his studies have involved chemistry of one sort of another. His BSc Hons degree involved organic chemistry of natural products (Towards the total synthesis of ß-vetivone: a bicyclic spiro-sesquiterpenoid). His MSc was in organometallic chemistry (metal-ion template synthesis of macrocyclic ligands with As and S donor atoms) and his PhD was an advanced study in natural product chemistry and biological activity of plant secondary metabolites (Scaevola spinescens - an Aboriginal medicinal plant).

Dr Kerr has over 70 publications in peer reviewed and professional journals, and is a member of numerous professional societies and is on editorial boards and review panels of several journals. He is the Australasian representative of the International Council for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

His research interests lie in the field of biologically active natural products and include

• Functional food chemistry and nutriceutical activity of grains and pulses.
• The phytochemistry of Australian native plants (especially Goodeniaceae)
• Traditional Australian Aboriginal Medicines
• Ethnopharmacology and ethnoveterinary medicine
• The role of periphyton in environmental bioremediation
• Allelopathy and chemical ecology
• Plant products as potential agents for the treatment of cancer, diabetes and serotonin-related disorders.