Green Limerick: World-renowned scientist inspires UL students

A WORLD-renowned materials scientist told young researchers to “follow your dreams, work hard, never give up, stay enthusiastic and humble”, during a special lecture series at the University of Limerick (UL).

Speaking at the JD Bernal lecture series in UL’s Bernal Institute, Professor Roland A Fischer, a leading expert in energy conversion and catalysis from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, also discussed the “fundamental questions” driving his research. 

Professor Fischer, who has been chair of Inorganic and Metal-Organic Chemistry at TUM since 2016 and serves as managing director of the TUM Catalysis Research Centre, delivered two captivating lectures during his visit to UL for the lecture series, highlighting several groundbreaking areas of his research.

He is an internationally renowned expert in materials applications in energy conversion, catalysis, gas storage and separation, chemical sensing, photonics, and microelectronics.

The talk was opened by acting UL president Professor Shane Kilcommins and was attended by a number of invited guests, including Limerick city east councillor Elena Secas.

READ ALSO: EU project partners make visit to Croom

Professor Kilcommins said it was a “distinct privilege” to welcome Professor Fischer to UL as the invited JD Bernal lecturer.

“Professor Fischer’s research aligns closely with many of the activities here at the Bernal Institute, making his insights particularly valuable to us,” said Professor Kilcommins.

“His work exemplifies the kind of interdisciplinary research that is essential for addressing the complex challenges of our time. 

“His contributions to the fields of energy conversion and catalysis have the potential to drive significant advancements in sustainable technologies, which are crucial for our future.”

Edmond Magner, Professor of Chemical Sciences at UL and a Bernal member said: “The chemistry laboratories of TUM are world-renowned and considered as one of the birthplaces of the field of organometallic chemistry. 

“We were thrilled and honoured to have one of the leading organometallic chemists in the world, Professor Fischer, as the JD Bernal Lecturer, this year.”

The talks by the influential scientist Professor Fischer included a focus on metal-atom-rich molecules.

His lecture also focused on a new class of highly porous materials, so-called metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks. 

The researchers are aiming for integration of multi-functionality into these materials, for example combining physical properties, such as light, harvesting with chemical properties such as catalysis.

With 90% of all industrial chemicals relying on metal-based catalysts, Professor Fischer emphasised the potential impact of reducing the number of metal atoms required for catalytic processes, which could revolutionise sustainable chemistry.

 Influenced by his father, a school chemistry teacher, Professor Fischer has devoted years to education, having supervised over 100 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral researchers.

“Imagine spending your entire professional life with young people, always in their 20s - it’s a privilege to guide them as they develop a scientific mindset,” he said.