The DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis seeks to explore a new paradigm for basic science and technology research. In addition to its scientific focus on chemical transformations, the Centre will server as an agent of change for the development of a new generation of research leaders incorporating the full diversity of South Africa's rich scientific potential. As a virtual centre and network, it will achieve these goals via national research programmes principally of relevance to South Africa and the African Continent.