Tohoku University has conferred the title of Distinguished Invited University Professor on Jens Kehlet Nørskov of the Technical University of Denmark, effective October 1, 2025.

Nørskov is renowned for his research in catalytic chemistry and materials science. He has achieved pioneering accomplishments in both theoretical and applied aspects of the fields through his development of d-band theory of catalysis and the Computational Hydrogen Electrode model.

His work has dramatically advanced the understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms, exerting significant international influence on both the development of fundamental science and the practical design of catalysts.

Tohoku University has enjoyed a strong relationship with Nørskov, especially through his collaboration with the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), its Principal Investigator Professor Hao Li and the university's Core Research Cluster for Materials Science (CRC-MS).

As a Distinguished Invited University Professor, Nørskov will continue his research collaboration and partnerships with AIMR. He will also give special lectures, provide guidance to Tohoku University's young researchers and exchange ideas with other academics in related fields.

The Distinguished Invited University Professor programme was started in 2015 to welcome internationally renowned scholars to share their expertise and engage in activities that invigorate education and research at Tohoku University. The late Nobel Laureate Peter Grünberg was the first recipient of this title in May 2016.