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University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Plenary Speaker and CATSA 2024 Eminent Visitor
Nobel Laureate (2016) Prof Feringa’s research revolves around catalysis and synthetic chemistry, drawing inspiration from nature’s principles. His work spans dynamic molecular systems, molecular nanoscience, and novel methods in asymmetric catalysis. With chirality as a central theme, his group boasts unique expertise in fundamental stereochemical phenomena.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Dx9-zzoAAAAJ&hl=en
Jagiellonian University (Poland)
Francois Gault Lectureship Award (EFCATS 2023) Speaker
The primary focus of Prof Kotarba’s research is catalysis. His goal is to understand processes at solid/gas interfaces and apply this knowledge to design surfaces with specific properties. This includes preparing new solid materials, surface modifications, and studying reactivity such as catalytic screening. Motivation stems from both fundamental (interaction of small molecules with surfaces, surface electronic properties) and applied aspects (catalyst surface characterization, patenting new catalytic materials, engineering metal implant surfaces).
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Keynote speaker
Prof Bickelhaupt’s research focuses on developing chemical theories and methods rooted in quantum mechanics for catalysis design. Collaborating closely with experimental groups, he applies these theories to enhance understanding and optimize chemical processes. His work encompasses exploring catalytic reactions, molecular recognition, and theoretical biochemistry, aimed at advancing fragment-oriented catalyst design.
https://www.theochem.nl/fmbickelhaupt
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=y2uuNcwAAAAJ&hl=en
University of Johannesburg
Keynote speaker
Specializing in electrochemistry, Prof Arotiba’s core research centers on electrocatalysis, particularly its applications in material, biomedical, and environmental domains. His focus is on developing electrochemical catalysts and processes to address challenges such as water treatment, pollutant removal, and biomedical sensing.
https://www.uj.ac.za/members/prof-omotayo-a-arotiba/
https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=FtKBpAcAAAAJ&hl=en
Graz University of Technology (Austria)
Keynote speaker
Prof. Winkler, a globally recognized biocatalysis expert, and her team push boundaries in enzyme utilization for eco-friendly and selective organic chemical production. Their projects uncover and harness novel biocatalysts through various methods, including directed evolution, to boost productivity and selectivity. Collaborating across academia and industry, Prof. Winkler strives for greener biocatalytic solutions, advancing sustainable chemical manufacturing.
https://www.tugraz.at/institute/imbt/research/cell-and-protein-engineering-group/winkler-team
Ecole européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux
University of Strasbourg (France)
Keynote Speaker
Vincent Ritleng earned his PhD from Université Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France, in 2001, studying under Dr. Michel Pfeffer. He completed postdoctoral research at MIT with Professor Richard R. Schrock (2001-2003) and then at the University of Groningen with Professors Ben L. Feringa and Johannes G. de Vries. In 2004, Ritleng became a Maître de Conférences at the University of Strasbourg, was later made a Fellow of the University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study (2012), nominated Junior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France in 2014, and promoted to Full Professor in 2018. His research focuses on the development of nickel complexes featuring NHC ligands for cross-coupling, hydrofunctionalization, and C-H bond functionalization reactions, and structured catalytic supports like open cell polyurethane foams.
In 2024, get ready for more interaction and networking at the 34th International Conference of the Catalysis Society of South Africa, an in-person conference.
