Support for catalysis in Canada by the CIC Catalysis Division and Canadian Catalysis Foundation

2020 and 2021 marked major milestones for the catalysis community in Canada. The Catalysis Division of The Chemical Institute of Canada marked its 50-year anniversary in 2021, and the Canadian Catalysis Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020. Both organizations have been instrumental in supporting and advancing the broad and evolving field of catalysis in Canada. This article summarizes the genesis of these organizations and highlights the key roles that they serve for the catalysis community. The health and vibrancy of the catalysis community in 2022 is a testament to the vision, insights, and efforts of those in the community in the 1960s and 1970s who created a framework that helped to bridge the gaps between science and engineering in the field of catalysis. The establishment of the Division in 1971 pulled together a critical mass of people with common professional interests in all aspects of catalysis and catalyst technology. The division structure facilitated collaborations, formalizing and organizing biennial catalysis symposia, administering award programs, and, now, acting as a pipeline for members and directors of the Canadian Catalysis Foundation.

Automated summary

2020 and 2021 were significant years for the catalysis community in Canada. The Chemical Institute of Canada's Catalysis Division celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, while the Canadian Catalysis Foundation marked its 30th anniversary in 2020. Both organizations have played crucial roles in supporting and advancing the field of catalysis in Canada. This article provides an overview of the origins of these organizations and highlights their key contributions to the catalysis community.