Emiel J.M. Hensen

Emiel J.M. Hensen is a Full Professor of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He serves as Dean of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and chairs the Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research (NIOK). His academic journey includes a master's (1994) and PhD (2000) from TU/e, followed by roles at the University of Amsterdam and Shell Research. He has pioneered research in catalytic materials for sustainable energy, including Lewis acid-catalyzed biomass conversion and hierarchical zeolites.

Research focuses on designing catalytic materials for renewable fuel/chemical production, using advanced operando characterization (XPS, XAS) and theoretical modeling (DFT). Key applications include methane activation, Fischer-Tropsch processes, and lignin upgrading. He has over 768 publications (41,997 citations) and led projects like 'Interface Catalysis for Advanced Sustainable Chemistry' (2021-2024).

• Prizes: NWO Vici (2013), Vidi (2007), Veni (2002), Casimir Laureate (2006)
• Affiliations: NIOK (Chair), ERIC (Board), MCEC Gravitation Program

Teaching includes catalysis courses and supervising 187 research projects. His work addresses UN SDGs related to affordable clean energy and sustainable industry.