Scientific Case
Sustainable Chemistry
Scientific case
Several groups in HIMS specialize in catalysis, a technology that is pre-eminently suitable for the development of sustainable chemical processes. In this respect it is the only part of The Netherlands where disciplines such as homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular catalysis, organometallic chemistry and catalysis, biocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, organocatalysis and photocatalysis are studied simultaneously.
Moreover, there is an expertise in the field of computational catalysis. The various groups in HIMS have an outstanding reputation in the field of catalysis and publish regularly in top journals. The track records of the various researchers testify of high H-indexes, various VENI, VIDI and VICI laureates (De Bruin, Reek, Rothenberg, Grecea, Dubbeldam, van der Vlugt, Hetterscheid), NWO top subsidies (Reek), ERC grants (De Bruin, Van der Vlugt) and membership of De Jonge Akademie (Reek).
Moreover, the UvA has a leading position in the management of national initiatives, such as the top research school Catalysis and the research schools NIOK and HRSMC. UvA is secretary of the latter and Buma is its director. Further, there is a strong participation in national projects, such as CatchBio (catalysis for sustainable chemicals from biomass) and the FES BIOFUELS program, and two spin-off companies in the field of catalysis have been set up: Yellow Diesel (heterogeneous catalysis to produce biofuels ) and InCatT (selective catalysis for fine chemicals). Tens of patents have been created.