The three-day conference arose from the joint interests and complementarity between the heterogeneous catalysis research groups at the UvA’s Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences and at the Izmir Institute of Technology. It will highlight the key role of catalysis in the formidable challenges mankind faces: providing eight billion people with clean water, clean air, and sustainable food and energy, while minimizing our impact on the climate and on our planet. To do this, we must transform our energy, water, food and materials sectors. We must use renewable resources, green processes and circular economy principles. Catalytic processes can enable the transition to a hydrogen economy, to carbon-neutral products and processes, and to improved waste recycling and waste minimization.

Exchange ideas and learn new methods

The organising committee is headed by Prof. Selahattin Yilmaz (IIT) and Prof. Gadi Rothenberg (UvA) and comprises PhD students from both institutes. The scientific programme includes lectures by prominent researchers in catalysis and materials science from different Turkish universities. The conference has two main goals: first, it will enable both young and experienced scientists to exchange ideas and learn new methods in the fields of catalysis and sustainable chemistry. Second, after over two years of pandemic-induced isolation, it will foster face-to-face discussions and debates, encouraging the participants to collaborate towards new solutions.

With free registration and attendance, and a mix of plenary lectures, focused research presentations, and open discussion sessions, this three-day symposium will bring much value to all its participants. More details can be found at the conference website: