Bert Weckhuysen

‘Catalysis research in the Netherlands, and specifically Utrecht, is up to the highest international standards’

is professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis and conducts research on catalysts. A catalyst is a substance that can accelerate a chemical reaction without being consumed by that reaction. Amongst other applications, improved catalysts will allow us to use wood biomass to produce plastics and petrol instead of traditional raw materials such as oil, natural gas or coal. 

‘Addressing major social issues through research on minute particles’

Weckhuysen uses in situ spectroscopy – a method he pioneered and in which he has become an international leader – to conduct detailed research on the behaviour of catalysts. Such research on the smallest known particles should help us find solutions to major social challenges in the area of energy supply and sustainability. 

Spinoza Prize

Weckhuysen received the Spinoza Prize for this research from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in June of 2013. This award, a € 2.5 million research prize, is a tribute to his inspiring and pioneering research and it is the highest distinction a scientist can receive in the Netherlands. Weckhuysen is free to spend the prize money on his research as he sees fit.

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