Conference: 2026 Catalysis Gordon Research Conference and Seminar

The project supports travel of graduate and post-doctoral students, as well as early-career assistant professors, to attend the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Catalysis (June21-26 and 19-20, 2026, respectively). The latter is designed specifically to engage and support new entrants (primarily PhD students and post-docs) in the field of catalysis and give them an opportunity to build their professional networks. NSF support will aid in implementing four key objectives of the meeting: (1) delivering a strong scientific program focused on the meeting theme, "Shaping the Future of Catalysis: Bridging Fundamentals and Emerging Applications "; (2) bringing together a broad range of world-class speakers, including junior investigators and senior thought-leaders representing industry, academia, and national labs; (3) promoting cross-disciplinary fertilization of ideas in catalysis and sustainability, by exploring common themes related to alternative energy and renewable feedstocks; and (4) creating a sense of community by promoting interactions between prominent senior investigators in the field and early-career researchers.

The meeting will focus on disseminating recent results by a wide variety of scientists. Topics will explore how precise materials synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, detailed kinetics, and advances in theory (including artificial intelligence and machine learning) combine to create new understanding in catalysis. This includes applying these insights into national and global challenges in energy security, advanced manufacturing, and the environment. The Catalysis GRS and GRC play important roles in enhancing the development of researchers in early stages of their careers. Beyond the technical aspects, the meeting will directly benefit society by enhancing the knowledge of scientists and educators in catalysis for advancing fundamental insights into catalytic chemistry and developing new catalysis applications, thereby contributing to energy security, chemicals manufacturing, and preserving the quality of the environment for future generations.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2611708
Principal Investigator: Eranda Nikolla
Funds Obligated: $30,000
State: RI