On 16 May 2025, theMPI CEC was pleased to welcome a delegation from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - marking the second visit from A*STAR in as many years and underscoring the growing scientific dialogue between the two institutions. Following a fruitful first exchange in February 2024, which focused on hydrogen research and infrastructure, this year’s visit further deepened the collaborative spirit.
This time, the delegation was led by Prof. Andy Hor, Deputy Chief Executive (Research), who was joined by Wei Lin Gan (Deputy Director, Research Office), Melody Goh (Senior Assistant Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy), and Dr. Enru Lin (Senior Manager, International Partnerships Office). Their visit focused not only on strengthening ties with MPI CEC but also on exploring new areas of collaboration—particularly in ammonia synthesis, an area of growing relevance in global energy strategies.
Prof. Walter Leitner, Dr. Marion Tiedtke, and Dorothea Müschenborn (TransHyDE) welcomed the visitors with an introduction to the Institute, followed by presentations on major research initiatives such as TransHyDE and Carbon2Chem. These sessions led to lively and substantive discussions on hydrogen technologies, large-scale infrastructure, and the potential role of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and energy vector.
During the laboratory tour, the delegation visited several important research facilities, including the large new test hall and laboratories for in-house X-ray spectroscopy. Throughout the tour, the visitors engaged actively with MPI CEC scientists, asking pointed questions and expressing great interest—particularly in the Institute’s work on catalysis for ammonia synthesis and conversion.
The exchange concluded with a discussion about future opportunities for cooperation and culminated in an invitation to Prof. Walter Leitner to attend the next Singapore Scientific Conference (SSC) in 2025, which will take place from 8 to 10 December 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The SSC brings together leading researchers from around the world to discuss pressing challenges in the fields of energy, the environment, health and manufacturing.