Collaboration between University- National Lab-Industry It is in the national interest to foster and support a vibrant and dynamic research infrastructure in catalysis. A key element of advancing the capabilities of such an activity is cooperation between the Chemical Industry, Academia and the National Laboratories. It is imperative that his cooperation is extended now to maximize opportunities resulting from several recent developments.

 Advances in theory and experimentation havemoved us closer to rational design.  High throughput technologies are providing increasing capabilities to support data driven design of catalysts.  There is a merging of homogeneous, heterogeneous and biocatalysis concepts that have the potential to pioneer new approaches to catalytic solutions.  New methods of catalyst characterization have become available that can enable a more fundamental insight into the activity and selectivity of catalytic systems. These instruments are capital intensive and require highly skilled scientists. To be effectively utilized these tools they need to be leveraged against a variety of catalytic problems.  The industrial base in fundamental research declining. Constant dollar federal funding has not allowed the United States to maintain global leadership in catalysis. Developments

Benefits of Increased Collaboration  Focus on national issues with industrial perspective.  Pioneer new areas, breakthroughs via fundamental approaches, long term perspective (20yr, 50 yr.), high risk high payout opportunities.  Synergies through coordination.  Access to specialized, flagship facilities (experimental and theoretical).  Training of students and scientists/maintaining cutting edge knowledge and skills attracting top quality students to the field.

Key Components of Successful Collaboration  Overlapping or complementary expertise.  Trust.  Clearly defined research goals and expectation.  Common focus on deliverables.  Seamless communication between participants.  Acceptable intellectual property agreements. Existence of a pool of individuals with established skills and experimental capabilities.

Needs that Must be Addressed for Successful Collaboration Scientists at University & National Laboratories Stable funding to support long term research. Publishable results. Research is, and should be, focused on fundamental concepts but efforts should have both industrial and societal impact. Guidance from industrial partners and the government desirable. Support education to provide future leaders in catalysis.

Access to fundamental data and development of new model systems for conceptual tests. Access to top quality researchers for recruitment. Exposure to emerging science, and new concepts for developing and testing breakthrough technology. A key distinction is that industry needs to be able to move new discoveries from idea generation to commercial processes and products while preserving their competitive advantage. A common need of all the parties is access to flagship facilities and expertise. Needs that Must be Addressed for Successful Collaboration Industry