Catalysis research aims to make chemical reactions more efficient; the "secret" is the reduction of the activation energy by catalytically active atoms on the surface. It works in an interdisciplinary manner (a better word would be syndisciplinary, like working together) with chemists and mechanical engineers. Without the huge Haber-Bosch process for fertilizer production, for example, world food supply would not be possible. The chemist invents particularly active centers on the surfaces of metals, oxides, nano-materials, MOFs, etc. and uses chemical preparation, micro reactors and analytics to do this. Computer-aided modeling and machine learning are used to accelerate catalyst development. The mechanical engineer converts this knowledge into a reactor that works technically and commercially.