North American Catalysis Society

North American Catalysis Society
Name	North American Catalysis Society
Founded	0 1956
Focus	Catalysis science and technology
Headquarters	United States
Website	http://www.nacatsoc.org

North American Catalysis Society. The North American Catalysis Society is a premier professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of catalysis across the continent. It serves as a central hub for scientists and engineers from academia, industry, and government laboratories. The society promotes the exchange of knowledge and fosters collaboration to address critical challenges in energy, chemicals, and environmental sustainability.

History

The society was formally established in 1956, emerging from growing recognition of catalysis as a distinct and vital scientific discipline central to the chemical industry. Its founding was influenced by pioneering researchers in the field and coincided with a period of rapid industrial expansion post-World War II. Key early meetings and discussions, including those at national American Chemical Society gatherings, helped solidify its structure and mission. Over the decades, it has played an instrumental role in shaping major scientific initiatives, such as those supported by the United States Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected executive board, which includes a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who serve defined terms. This board sets strategic direction and oversees the society's operations and finances. Broader governance involves a Council of representatives from each of its affiliated local catalysis clubs and chapters. Major decisions, including the selection of award recipients and the location of the prestigious North American Catalysis Meeting, are made through this representative council, ensuring input from the entire continental community.

Activities and programs

Its flagship event is the biennial North American Catalysis Meeting, a major international conference that attracts thousands of researchers to present cutting-edge work. The society also organizes specialized workshops and summer schools, often in collaboration with institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A key educational program is the Catalysis Society of Metropolitan New York-sponsored "Introduction to Catalysis" short course. Furthermore, it actively promotes public outreach and education to highlight the role of catalysis in addressing global challenges.

Affiliated societies and chapters

The society functions as a federation of numerous local catalysis clubs and regional chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Prominent affiliated groups include the Catalysis Club of Chicago, the Southwest Catalysis Society, and the Catalysis Society of Metropolitan New York. In Canada, the Canadian Catalysis Network is a key partner, while in Mexico, the Sociedad Mexicana de Catálisis represents the community. These chapters organize local symposia, lecture series, and networking events, feeding into the larger national and continental activities.

Publications

While not a primary publisher, the society sponsors and supports several significant publications in the field. It has a long-standing association with the Journal of Catalysis, a leading academic periodical. The society also sponsors the Catalysis Reviews series and supports the ACS Catalysis journal published by the American Chemical Society. Its official newsletter, distributed to members, provides updates on meetings, member news, and chapter activities, serving as a vital communication link within the community.

Awards and honors

The society administers several of the field's most distinguished awards. The premier honor is the Eugene J. Houdry Award in Applied Catalysis, named for the inventor of catalytic cracking. Other major awards include the Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis, the Robert Burwell Lectureship in Catalysis, and the F. G. Ciapetta Lectureship. It also recognizes early-career excellence through the North American Catalysis Society Award and collaborates on the presentation of the prestigious Michel Boudart Award for the Advancement of Catalysis.

Category:Scientific organizations based in the United States Category:Engineering societies Category:Chemical industry organizations