A virtual joint workshop on Unified Catalysis Concepts from Molecular Design to Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UniCatal) was successfully held on 21 February 2025, bringing together young researchers from Osaka University and RWTH Aachen University.

The workshop was organized by a research group led by Professor Takashi HAYASHI from the Division of Applied Chemistry at Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering. UniCatal is a research project selected for the FY2022 Grants-in-Aid for International Leading Research, funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS: 22K21348).

The event was specifically designed for early-career researchers from both institutions and was co-chaired by two PhD students: Ms. Tabea Becker from RWTH Aachen University and Ms. Haruka NISHIWAKI from Osaka University, both of whom played key roles in making the workshop a reality. The session also welcomed a presentation by Professor Frédéric W. Patureau from RWTH Aachen University and Professor Hayato TSURUGI from Osaka University, who recently joined the UniCatal project.

A total of 44 researchers from both universities participated in the workshop, engaging in lively discussions that fostered academic exchange and collaboration. The event served as a stepping stone for further joint research activities and will culminate in a 2nd joint symposium to be held in Aachen in November 2025.