In chemistry, catalysis refers to the modification of the rate of a chemical reaction, usually an acceleration, by addition of a substance not consumed during the reaction. Catalysis research encompasses a broad range of materials that accelerate rates of chemical reactions.
Research groups interested in catalysis employ experimental and computational approaches to elucidate reaction mechanisms, to develop materials with improved catalytic properties, and to access organic compounds through novel routes and with high selectivity. Enzymes are protein catalysts that govern biological reactions and are therefore often targets for inhibition; understanding their structures and mechanisms is critical for drug discovery.