Our group leader prof. Petra de Jongh has received the Gilles Holst Medal, in recognition of her contributions to science towards the sustainable energy transition. The jury praised her specifically on: “[…] her interdisciplinary approach [to research], her tireless quest for knowledge, and the industrial applications that emerge from her research on nanomaterials.” Prof. Petra de Jongh is the first woman to receive this medal since its establishment in 1960. We congratulate Petra for winning this prestigious medal!

Petra de Jongh researches the connection between catalyst structure and performance with advanced characterization methods. Through collaborative efforts with industry, her investigations contribute to the advancement of novel processes like sustainable methanol, hydrocarbon, or ammonia synthesis—which are crucial for achieving a circular economy. Additionally, Petra and her team are pioneering the creation of next-generation batteries, aiming for enhanced safety, reduced weight, and increased efficiency. These advancements play a pivotal role in facilitating a sustainable transition towards cleaner energy sources.

The Gilles Holst Medal was established in 1960 by the KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) as a tribute to physicist and Academy member Prof. Dr. Gilles Holst (1886-1968). It serves as recognition for a researcher working in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with significant achievements in the field of applied physics or chemistry, preferably at the intersection of both disciplines. The Gilles Holst Medal is awarded once every four years, and the recipient is presented with a gold-plated silver medal.