Bert Sels

Bert Sels is a full Professor at KU Leuven, leading the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE) and previously directing the Center for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK). His work bridges Bioscience Engineering and Heterogeneous Catalysis, with a focus on Renewable Chemistry and Biorefinery applications. He co-founded the spin-off company Zeopore and has held visiting positions at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis (2000), supervised by Professor Pierre Jacobs

Research Interests center on designing heterogeneous catalysts for industrial and environmental challenges. His group specializes in Zeolite-based Materials, Kinetics of Catalytic Sites, and Small Molecule Activation, with applications in biorefineries and sustainable chemical production.

Scientific Awards

• DSM Chemistry Award (2001)
• Green Chemistry Award (2015)
• INEOS Research Award (2019)

Leadership Roles include co-chairing the Catalysis Commission of the International Zeolite Association (2014-2019), founding the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC), and serving as Associate Editor for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.