The German Catalysis Society, Frankfurt, has chosen Maricruz Sanchez-Sanchez of the TU München, Munich, Germany, for its 2017 Jochen Block Prize. A chemical engineer, she won the award for her contributions to the understanding of the catalytic conversion of short-chain hydrocarbons into valuable products. She particularly focuses on the oxidative activation of light alkanes, including methane, their reaction in nanoporous solids, and the conversion of methanol to light alkenes.
The prize, which includes €3,000 cash, aims to recognize up-and-coming scientists. More details on the prize and on Sanchez-Sanchez’s background and research focuses can be found here.