RSA CE&C 2015-2021

19 2. Strategic aims 2.1. MAIN STRATEGIC AIMS FOR THE REVIEW PERIOD To realize our mission, as formulated in the introduction to this report, the department’s strategic aims are based on three key pillars: People The people that we employ and educate in our department are the most important aspect. This refers to students (bachelor’s/master’s/professional doctorates/PhDstudents) anddepartmental and support staff. We want to provide an inclusive environment where all students, researchers and scientific and support staff can flourish and develop their talents while contributing to the shared mission of the department. The department provides an open environment with a growth mindset, with room for everyone’s talent and where people learn, explore and develop their talents. This requires an open and collegial atmosphere with ample opportunity for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and infrastructure. Attention to career development and transparent discussions on expectations regarding selection and promotion should be an integral part of this culture. This requires individual, tailor-made approaches in terms of supervision, training and HR support that best align with individual demands and wishes within a central framework of solid HR policies. Science We aim to perform top-notch research with state-of-the-art equipment at the forefront of science and technology in the selected areas of materials chemistry, molecular systems and chemical engineering sciences. We commit ourselves to excellence in scientific and applied research and bridge fundamental sciences with societal relevance. An important strength of the department is the chain of knowledge over many length scales linking molecular properties to macroscopic phenomena with respect to materials and chemical conversion processes in the two research domains of Molecular Systems & Materials Chemistry and Chemical & Process Technology. The education provided has a solid scientific foundation and new scientific insights and developments are naturally integrated into the educational programs. To maintain scientific excellence and an internationally leading position at the forefront of research, we aim to reinforce our focus and mass in core research themes by retaining existing staff and hiring talented new staff. Investments in talent should build on and strengthen existing expertise in a complementary fashion, focusing on supramolecular and polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, separation technology, inorganic materials, and catalysis and chemical reactor engineering. Given the growing importance of and strong societal need for renewable energy in the form of electricity, the recommendation is to actively strengthen the department’s chain of knowledge in the field of electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Digital technology is of strongly increasing societal importance and its impact in the chemical industry will grow. Technologies such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence in combination with online/inline sensing, will also find application in the chemical industry. This topic requires attention in the coming years.