Thomas Maschmeyer's ground-breaking research in materials and catalysis led to his meteoric rise in international stature. His guiding principle of 'selectivity tuning by active site design' applies fundamental chemical understanding to the development of new catalysts and underlies discoveries from pharmaceutical synthesis to process intensification and biofuels. He is an inventor with many patents and has personally applied his science to new commercial developments overseas and in Australia. He has an outstanding record of publication in the best international journals and has received many distinguished awards for science and technology.