Benjamin List, the 2021 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Germany, visited the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT) upon invitation on October 17 and delivered a wonderful speech entitled The Universality of Acid Catalysis to EIT teachers and students.

As one of the pioneers in the field of asymmetric organocatalysis, Professor List opened a new chapter in catalytic research. He is also a leader in photocatalytic radicals research for his outstanding contributions to the development of human synthetic chemistry. Zongwei Cai, Associate Vice President of EIT and Director of the College of Science, delivered a welcome speech. He expressed his expectations for Professor List to uncover the wonderful world of asymmetric organocatalysis which is based on small organic molecules. The session was hosted by Professor Guofu Zhong of the School of Chemistry under the College of Science of EIT.

In his report, Professor List described the importance of catalysis in synthetic chemistry and the significant contributions of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research to chemistry in the past century. He reviewed his research, from the proline-catalyzed aldol reaction more than 20 years ago to the development and application of strong chiral acids as catalysts in recent years, and shared his research ideas and thoughts on chemistry and research work with EIT teachers and students. He encouraged everyone to follow their passion and always choose what they like as they pursue knowledge; to remain curious and adventurous about new things; and aim for the sky while working hard.

Shiyi Chen, EIT President, Dongxiao Zhang, EIT Executive Vice President and Provost, and Zheng Chunmiao, EIT Vice President, met with Professor List to engage in cordial talks. Professor List also visited EIT's permanent campus accompanied by Associate Vice President Zongwei Cai, and expressed his expectations for EIT's future development. Professor Lister hopes to further strengthen academic exchanges and scientific research cooperation with EIT.