The main objective of tne centre is to explore and understand the fundamental relations between surface morphology and reactivity on the nanometer scale. A combination of new experimental initiatives supported by theoretical approaches will be employed. The primary objectives of the center are: * To establish a close and unambigous correlation between the morphology and the reactivity, ultimately of experimental approaches and methods. * To challenge the widely held belief that there are chemical reactions catalyzed by metal surfaces, which are structure insensitive, i.e. without a strong dependence on the detailed atmonic structure of the surface. * To develop a new concept where nanodstructures can catalyze chiemical reactions under non-thermal conditions, operating on entirely different physical principles than current technology.