Concluding remarks: Faraday discussion on surface science and heterogeneous catalysis, a view from the bridge

The fields of surface science and heterogeneous catalysis are often inherently scientific investigations of the same fundamental phenomena from different (but potentially complementary) perspectives. It is little wonder therefore that this juncture has for many years been a point of note for scientists in either area. Although their long-standing interaction has often helped to refine and shape thinking, it has also fostered a degree of mutual cynicism, encapsulated in the oft-heard choruses that "catalysis is too empirical to offer fundamental insight" and that "surface science is too idealized to mean anything in the real world." These concluding remarks attempt summarize aspects of the Faraday Discussion meeting entitled "Bridging the gap from surface science to heterogeneous catalysis" held at Burlington House, London, UK in April 2026. In particular, drawing on discussions with other attendees, I have tried to summarise some of the key themes: both progress overcoming gaps at the interface of these two fields and perhaps new gaps that emerge as a result of improved insight as the fields advance their own understanding and meet new challenges.