Celebrating the NCCR Catalysis Annual Event 2026 in Fribourg

Over 140 members of the NCCR Catalysis community came together in Fribourg from 8-10 June for three days of science, exchange, and collaboration.

Advancing sustainable chemistry through collaboration

The Annual Meeting showed once again what makes this network special: researchers from different disciplines, institutions, and career stages engaged in lively discussions, reconnecting in person and setting the tone for three days of scientific exchange toward sustainable chemistry.

The program opened with interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, digital research tools, life cycle assessment, machine learning, and FAIR data practices – reflecting the broad set of skills now needed to move catalysis research from fundamental insight toward real-world impact.

Across the following days, talks from early-career and senior researchers highlighted progress across all four Research Tracks, while poster sessions created space for lively discussion around new results, open questions, and future directions. The meeting also included updates on Phase III, communications, and data management, as well as community activities ranging from the Fribourg City Games to padel, museum visits, and dinner at Casino Fribourg.

The event closed with presentations from Turbo Grant recipients and Young Talents Fellows, followed by awards recognizing outstanding posters and talks. Beyond the formal program, the meeting was a reminder of the energy, creativity, and shared ambition that continue to drive the NCCR Catalysis community forward.

Looking ahead

The meeting also created space to reflect on the next steps for NCCR Catalysis. For a large collaborative program, this kind of shared planning is important, helping the community align, build on what has been achieved, and continue moving forward together. Above all, the Annual Meeting was a celebration of the people, ideas, and scientific progress that make the NCCR Catalysis community so strong.

The directors of the NCCR Catalysis center, Javier Pérez-Ramírez and Jerome Waser, closed the event by reflecting on progress achieved and outlining the importance of continued collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition for the years ahead. Watch the video and others on our NCCR Catalysis YouTube channel.