RSA CE&C 2015-2021

1. Introduction 11 A detailed overview of the different research groups in the department, including their research expertise, research facilities, prospects and key publications, can be found in the additional booklet attached to this report. To position the department, Table 1 provides an overview of the scientific expertise on molecules, materials and processes of the research groups listed above and correlates this to the societal challenges that we focus on. Table 1: Overview of scientific expertise on molecules, materials and processes and contribution to the societal challenges of the research groups. Research group Scientific expertise Societal challenges Molecular Systems and Materials Chemistry Molecules Materials Processes Energy Circularity Health Bio-Organic Chemistry · · · Macro-Organic Chemistry · · Molecular Materials and Nanosystems · · · Physical Chemistry · · · · · Polymer Performance Materials · · · Self-Organizing Soft Matter · · · · Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices · · · · · Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis · · · · Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry · · · Chemical and Process Technology Chemical Process Intensification · · · Inorganic Materials and Catalysis · · · · · Membrane Materials and Processes · · · · · Multi-Scale Modeling of Multiphase Flows · · · Sustainable Process Engineering · · · · The above overview emphasizes the areas of gravity in the department regarding molecules and materials for health and materials and processes for energy applications. The earlier- acquired Gravitation program (Dutch Research Council; NWO) entitled Functional Molecular Systems (2013-2023) and the very recently granted program entitled Interactive Polymeric Materials Research Center (2022-2032) confirm the scientific and innovative strength of polymer science and technology at the department and TU/e. The Gravitation program Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (2014-2024) acknowledges the quality of the department regarding catalytic processes and energy conversion.