The opening kick-off symposium of the MCEC programme was held on November 5 2014 at the Winkel van Sinkel (Utrecht). It was a great success with more than 100 guests present!
After the opening speech of Prof. Bert van der Zwaan (Rector Magnificus, Utrecht University) Scientific Director Prof. Bert Weckhuysen (Utrecht University) introduced MCEC in a nutshell to all the guests. The short introduction movie about MCEC gave the audience an idea about why this program is so unique in terms of a multiscale approach to catalysis and how MCEC aims to solve the global challenge of sustainable energy conversion. This so-called Gravitation Program is a 10-years research program, directly funded by the ministry OCW, that stimulates fundamental research in the area of catalysis. It is a unique opportunity for the partners Utrecht University, Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Twente to establish a long-term collaboration.
Invited speakers Dr. Pieter Bruijnincx Utrecht University), Dr. Rosa Bulo (Utrecht University), Prof. Rob Lammertink (University of Twente) and Dr. Niels Deen (Eindhoven University of Technology) have told about their contribution to the program and how they plan to work together on scientific problems with other MCEC colleagues. That inspired the discussions during the reception and at the diner. On the second day of the kick-off symposium the project clusters and the different research projects were discussed. The discussions were led by two assigned MCEC members.
The day was closed with a presentation of the Chair of the MCEC Education Committee Prof. Hans Kuipers ((Eindhoven University of Technology), and ended in a discussion about new ideas for the upcoming MCEC summer school and other MCEC community activities. Read more news on the website of Utrecht University and University of Twente.
