Catalysis Institute builds new International Ties with a Visit to the University of Oulu, Finland.

On June 11th, 2025, a delegation from the Catalysis Institute — comprising of Prof. Nico Fischer, Dr. Shaine Raseale, and Mr. Francois van Schalkwyk — visited the University of Oulu in Finland. The visit marked a significant step toward identifying research synergies and fostering new long-term international collaborations.

As Director of the Catalysis Institute, Prof. Nico Fischer provided a comprehensive overview of the Institute’s research portfolio, highlighting its major consortia — GreenQUEST and CARE-O-SENE — along with its flagship initiatives, HySA Catalysis and Coal CO2X. He emphasised the Institute’s strategic focus on future-oriented research, particularly in developing technologies for green hydrogen production and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). In both areas, catalysis remains central to enabling a sustainable carbon value chain that supports a global, just, and climate-resilient energy transition.

Representing the GreenQUEST research consortium, Dr. Shaine Raseale presented recent developments and catalytic innovations related to the production of green liquefied fuel gas (gLFG). He also underscored the value of GreenQUEST’s multi-disciplinary approach, which integrates advanced catalysis with insights from social sciences and economics. This framework ensures that innovations — such as gLFG — are responsive to the needs of local communities and society at large.

Mr. Francois van Schalkwyk showcased the pioneering work within HySA Catalysis, particularly in green hydrogen production and fuel cell technology development, further reinforcing the Institute’s leadership in South Africa’s clean energy innovation landscape.

Various research group leaders and team members of the University of Oulu, led by Prof Marko Huttala, shared their research on, amongst others, photocatalytic H₂ generation and CO₂ activation, methane pyrolysis, battery systems, and material characterisation. During the exchange, complementary fields were identified — particularly in the areas of green hydrogen and CCU — which are shared priorities between the Catalysis Institute and researchers at the University of Oulu.

The delegation extends sincere thanks to the NANOMO Research Unit at the University of Oulu for their warm hospitality and engaging discussions. We look forward to welcoming them to South Africa later in 2025 and to develop this collaboration in the pursuit of shared scientific goals.