From the editors
We are happy to send you the first edition of the Netherlands Catalysis News letter in 2007. We have collected quite some news from the Dutch catalytic community, of which we are sure that it will be of interest for you!
At NCCC, we have had a meeting with our main correspondents. Many new ideas for new content to this news letter have been discussed and in the coming issues you will see the first results.
Enjoy reading and do not hesitate to contact us with your feedback!
The editors
Vici-grants awarded to two NIOK researchers
In December 2006 NWO awarded a Vici-grant (€1.250.000) to NIOK researchers Alan Rowan (RU) and Frank de Groot (UU). Vici grants are awarded to excellent researchers who have successfully developed an innovative line of research. Read more: NWO website.
NWO Middelgroot grants awarded to catalysis researchers
In January NWO chemical sciences granted equipment-grants to four research groups in the Netherlands. Among these are a mass spectrometer with an integrated flow injection analysis system with an electrochemical cell for studying catalytic reactions at electrode surfaces (Koper group Leiden University) and a a cryogenic AFM/STM/STS ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studying self-assembled nanostructures with a chemical, optical or electrical function (groups Vanmaekelbergh/De Jongh/Klein Gebbink/Zijlmans van Emmichoven, Utrecht University).
Read more: NWO website.
Various 'catalysis' professors will retire in 2007
Jacob Moulijn will officially retire from the TUDelft in spring 2007. On this occasion he will present his Valedictory speech (Dutch: ‘Uittreerede’) on June 15th. An International Symposium on Catalysis Engineering will take place on June 14 and a Reunion at Delft in the morning of June 15. More information: TU Delft website.
As Koos Jansen of the Delft University of Technology and the University of Stellenbosch approaches his retirement, a Scientific Symposium followed by an informal farewell party will be organised in collaboration with the Dutch Zeolite Association at Delft University of Technology on October 19. More information will be available soon: TU Delft website.
And last but not least, Gerard van Koten (Utrecht University) will retire in 2007. Information on the scientific programme related to his retirement, which is organised in September 2007, can be found at the UU website.
Catalysis in the news
In a recent edition of Intermediair, the NIOK-VIRAN partnership was mentioned as an excellent example of an academic-industrial partnership. More information (in Dutch): Intermediair.
Awards
KNCV Catalysis Prize 2007
The KNCV catalysis prize 2007, for the best 'Dutch' PhD thesis in the period 2005-2006 has been awarded to Mark Kuil for his thesis 'Supramolecular Ligands in Transition Metal Catalysis'. The prize (1250 EURO + certificate) was awarded at NCCC-VIII. More information: KNCV Catalysis.
VIRAN Poster prizes at NCCC
On March 6th VIRAN awarded two poster prizes for the best posters presented during the NCCC VIII conference to:
B. van Berlo (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Poster 14); and
R.P. Muppa (Leiden University, Poster 103).
NIOK-NRSC-C Lecture prizes at NCCC
During NCCC VIII NIOK and NRSC-C awarded three lecture prizes for the three best presentations given by PhD students. This year, the prizes were awarded to:
Ingmar Swart (Utrecht University, presentation 27);
Arnold Boersma (University of Groningen, presentation 84); and
Jelle Sietsma (Utrecht University, presentation 29).
Recent Dutch Catalysis Patents
On a regular base, we provide you with the latest Dutch patent applications in the field of catalysis. The overviews are published on our website: www.niok-society.nl.
Business news
Shell announces new Vice President Innovation and Chemicals Technology
Bill Rothwell, currently General Manager, Ethylene Oxide/Glycols for Shell Chemicals, has been appointed to the role of Vice President Innovation and Chemicals Technology for Shell Global Solutions International, effective from 1 March 2007. "Shell is committed to turning innovative ideas into commercial applications for providing the energy and petrochemicals that societies need to grow and prosper," said Rothwell.
"I will be accountable for meeting the technology needs of Shell Chemicals, leveraging Shell Global Solutions' chemical research and development capabilities to benefit the broader Shell Group and licensees, and contributing to the identification and assessment of longer-term Group chemicals technology options."
New Chairman ACTS
As of January 1st 2007, Colja Laane (DSM) succeeded Alle Bruggink as chairman of ACTS. Laane wants to be a bridge builder between chemistry and biotechnology, and between the public and private sectors. Read more: InterACTS
Engelhard/BASF
On 1 January 2007 Dr. Eugène Kuijpers, managing director of Engelhard De Meern B.V. since 2002, became Director of BASF Catalysts’ European activities in environmental technologies. In his new role Kuijpers will lead the company’s efforts in marketing/sales and in the supply chain, as well as the production sites in Nienburg (Germany), Port Elisabeth (South Africa) and Moscow (Russia).
Frits van Buren (Dow) new chairman VIRAN
With the retirement of Herman van Wechem from Shell early 2007, Frits van Buren (Dow) has started as chairman of VIRAN, the Association of the Industrial Advisory Board of NIOK.
Isabel Arends appointed professor biocatalysis and organic chemistry TU Delft
As from 1 January 2007 Isabel Arends has been appointed professor biocatalysis and organic chemistry. She is successor of professor Roger Sheldon who will retire in 2007. Arends will work on the development of new - tailor made - enzymes in favour of clean and sustainable processes in the chemical industry.
Thesis defences
8 March: Sune D. Ebbesen; Spectroscopy under the Surface; In-Situ ATR-IR Studies of Heterogeneous Catalysis in Water. (Co-) Promotores prof.dr.ir. L. Lefferts (UT), dr. B.L. Mojet (UT).
13 March: Nilesh Mehendale, Silica Immobilized Pincer-Metal Complexes, Catalysis, Recycling and Retrospect on Active Species. Promotores: Gerard van Koten (UU) and Bert Klein Gebbink (UU).
19 March: Jaap Bergwerff; Spatially resolved spectroscopy on the preparation of CoMo/Al2O3 hydrodesulphurization catalysts. Promotores: prof.dr.ir. K.P. de Jong (UU), prof.dr.ir. B.M. Weckhuysen (UU).
An overview of catalysis-related conferences and symposia can be found in the agenda of KNCV Catalysis.
The next edition of this Netherlands Catalysis News Letter will be distributed in June/July 2007. Content can be supplied to and by our correspondents.
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