What started as a hobby, slowly expanded to the Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass research group, which currently employs five AIOs, `together with a number of enthusiastic staff members, post-docs and students.' TCCB became an autonomous unit in 2002 and Van Swaaij has been leading it ever since. `I'm thrilled to see that people finally see the importance of this research.'
The award comes with the status `Il Dottore' of artist Eric Claus, as well as hundred thousand euros. `That is nice', he says. `Obviously, a large part of it goes into the research. The group can use some new instruments. And I'd like a new computer myself.'
