Irene Groot appointed professor of Surface and Interface Science
Dr Irene Groot (LIC) has been appointed professor of Surface and Interface Science with effect from 1 March. The appointment is an honour for Groot. 'It feels like recognition of your research, teaching and leadership qualities.'
In her research, Groot studies chemical reactions that take place on surfaces. 'In this, the surface plays the role of catalyst, accelerating the chemical reaction or making it run better. In this, we look at the atomic scale at what happens on the surface while the chemical reaction is taking place.'
Making the chemical industry greener
Groot believes it is important that her research has a social relevance. Her goal is therefore to discover reactions that will make the chemical industry, and the energy and transport sectors, cleaner, greener, and more environmentally friendly.