Gilles Holst Medal for Petra de Jongh

This prize is awarded by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences once every four years to researchers with outstanding contributions in applied physics or chemistry, and preferably at the interface of the two. Which is precisely where the research of De Jongh, who works on catalytic nanomaterials for the energy transition, is situated. ‘I feel at home at the interfaces — that’s where the most remarkable things happen. In nanomaterials, a large fraction of the atoms are located at the surface. Those interfaces alter the physical and chemical properties of materials. And everything happens at the interface.’ She then took her audience on an enthusiastic and sparkling journey through her career and research, with ‘the interface’ serving as the common thread running throughout. Because it also provides a broader perspective, she emphasised. ‘As a researcher, you often look in a very focused way, but you need room to pick up on unexpected observations. Make sure you leave space for surprises.’