International Scientific Board 2005 raport

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES of 2005

Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry PAS Catalysis and Surface Chemistry constitute a field at the interface of chemistry, physics, biology, engineering and material sciences that enables chemical processes to be realized with cost-, energy- and eco-efficiency. More than 80% of the processes in the chemical industry (including pharmaceuticals), worth approximately 1500 billion E, depends on catalytic technologies. Catalysis gives also a key contribution to: (i) sustainable mobility, (ii) the rational use of resources, (iii) sustainable energy, (iv) quality of life and health protection, and (v) environment protection. To address these relevant socio-economical problems it is necessary to have a critical mass of well integrated competences, which can combine the fundamental knowledge and an applied vision.

Comments on research, education and promotion of science at ICSC PAS

The Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry PAS is well suited to achieve the above objective and has its points of strength in the following aspects :

  • The Institute has a leading position in Poland, and its core part has worldwide visibility. It is well positioned in the European Research Area. Remarkable is the high number of research contracts with European research funding agencies.
  • The Institute is a Centre of Excellence (CATCOLL) granted by EU and has a leading position in the three European networks on catalysis and surface science.
  • The Institute has a fundamental approach to catalysis and surface chemistry, which is relevant for transfer of knowledge and innovation.
  • The Institute explores multi-disciplinary competences ranging from surface and colloid science, material synthesis via characterization up to application. It combines theoretical and experimental approaches. It provides a forum for sharing ideas and concepts as applied to catalysis and surface chemistry.
  • The number and quality of publications and conference contributions, as well as keynote and plenary lectures at international meetings, are consistent with expectations from a Centre of Excellence.
  • The number of PhD students is high and the Institute achieves an excellent integration of research and education.
  • The effort towards public awareness on science is outstanding. During the Open Days close to 1000 people were visiting the Institute.

Comments on funding

An important aspect for running an Institute with a strong fundamental research programme is a good balance of funds received through institutional, national and international funding bodies. The present. situation appears not to be completely satisfactory. The institutional funding level is too low and limits exploratory and risky research. The possibility to dedicate part of the funds to this area will allow:

  • to open new relevant lines of research such as in the field of nanostructured catalytic systems, catalysis for sustainable energy, etc.
  • to stimulate young researchers,
  • to install and/or improve equipment,
  • to improve the innovation and the transfer of the research results to companies, to shape the future profile of the Institute.

Recommendations about future prospects for the ICSC PAS Institute An effective integration of all the competences available in the Institute under a common vision of the research would promote synergy and further strengthen the leading position of the Institute and this would give the potential to be at the leading edge of research in Europe.

An effective collaboration with external groups, for example in the frame of thematic networks, would allow to complement present research competences with others, such as reactor engineering, etc., which will be relevant for the future.

This integrated approach would allow to explore new research area of increasing relevance not presently addressed by the Institute and which would also allow to increase the level of external funding, in addition to the requested increase in institutional funds.

The fundamental research vision of the Institute requires continuity in human resources and knowledge transfer. In this concern, it is essential to pay attention to age distribution of research staff. For an institution at the leading edge of research, it is necessary to have access to state-of-the art equipment, such as those used for structural studies under working conditions, kinetics of catalytic reactions as well as electron microscopy.

Signatures of the Members of the International Advisory Board of the Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences.