An ad hoc committee will develop and conduct an interactive, multidisciplinary public workshop that focuses on how chemical feedstocks and processing are changing in the U.S. and what the implications of those changes are for research in the area of catalysis. The 2-day workshop will:

1. Describe the changes that are occurring or are expected to occur in the chemical industry with the shifts to lighter feedstocks (particularly, shale gas) and how these changes in the pathways to chemicals affect catalysis needs.

2. Provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art in catalysis with respect to the relevant feedstocks and chemicals.

3. Review and discuss gaps and opportunities in catalysis research.

Workshop participants will include representatives from academia, the chemical and energy industries, the U.S. government, National Laboratories, and professional organizations, such as the American Chemical Society. The committee will plan and organize the workshop, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. A committee authored workshop report will be prepared in accordance with institutional guidelines.