Heidelberg Forum of Molecular Catalysis 2001

The HFMC 2001 has evolved from the "Georg- Wittig-Lectureship" (prize-winner R. Noyori) which was sponsored by BASF. This honorary lectureship was jointly conferred by the Institute of Organic Chemistry and BASF in 1999.

At the HFMC 2001, lectures will be held by internationally highly renowned scientists. The forum is funded by BASF.

The HFMC focusses on the area of molecular catalysis as an interdisciplinary field of international cooperation. The specific selection of this research area emphasizes the support of a main focus of research within the faculty of chemistry at the University of Heidelberg and the faculty's structure development plans by BASF. The commitment of BASF as the sponsor of the HFMC reflects the good cooperation between the faculty of chemistry at the University of Heidelberg and BASF in an area of mutual interest and of BASF's top competence.

By funding the HFMC 2001, BASF supports the internal collaboration of the institutes of the faculty in all areas of inorganic, organic, organometallic, biological, physical and theoretical molecular chemistry in a field of intense international competition. The HFMC also demonstrates the importance of the Rhein-Neckar region as a magnet for gifted scientists from all over the world, especially for young researchers, as well as BASF's obligation towards their scientific environment and as an employer for scientists.

The HFMC 2001 lecturers, R. H. Grubbs, R. A. Sheldon and B. M. Trost were chosen according to the basic theme of the symposium: "Molecular Catalysis". They were selected jointly by a committee consisting of the leading BASF research scientists and of representatives of the Heidelberg faculty of chemistry.

The important aspect of encouraging research in the field of molecular catalysis will be underlined by the presentation at the HFMC of the € 10.000,-- BASF Catalysis Award 2001, which will be given to an outstanding young scientist, who has been chosen by a joint prize committee.

Prize-winner 2001: Dr. Dirk de Vos, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.

A poster presentation with contributions from the Heidelberg faculty of chemistry and from invited external research groups will round off the HFMC together with a supporting program.

Reports and Pictures

• Press release 2001
• Press release (presentation of the BASF Catalysis Award 2001)
• Impressions/photographs from the HFMC 2001

 More Information about both events at: