Professor Phillips completed his PhD in the field of Biological Chemistry (structural studies of DNA) at the University of Adelaide and joined the Department of Biochemistry at La Trobe University in 1972. He has been a visiting professor at many institutions, including the National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill (London), Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, National Cancer Institute (Milan) and Iwate University (Japan).

His scientific objectives are to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of clinical and experimental anticancer agents, and to utilise this knowledge to enhance the clinical use of these agents and by using nanoparticle and tumour targeting delivery vehicles.