Irene Groot

Prof. Irene Groot is a Full Professor of Surface and Interface Science at Leiden University's Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), specializing in heterogeneous catalysis and operando microscopy techniques. Her work focuses on industrial catalysts under realistic conditions, with contributions to sustainable energy and materials science. She holds a PhD from Leiden (2009) and has held academic positions since 2015, progressing from tenure-track Assistant Professor (2015–2018) to Associate Professor (2018–2024) before her current role.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Leiden University (2009)
• MSc in Chemistry, Leiden University (2005)

Research Interests: Catalysis mechanisms, operando microscopy (STM/TEM/XRD), 2D material growth on liquid metals, and high-pressure surface science. Her group develops advanced imaging tools for real-time catalyst characterization under industrial conditions.

Awards: NWO Aspasia Prize (2018), Vidi Fellowship (2018), Veni Fellowship (2012), and multiple EU grants including H2020 CL4 ‘2D Engine’ (2023). Her research has been featured in Acc. Chem. Res., Nature Communications, and ACS Nano.