South Africa is the world largest supplier of the Platinum Group Metals (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Osmium and Iridium) (PGMs). More than three quarters of the worlds platinum is mined and refined here - together with roughly the same percentage of rhodium and one third of the worlds demand of palladium. About 5% of the South African gross domestic product (GDP) is earned in the PGM-industry and the demand for these metals is still steadily increasing as they play a vital role in catalysis and other new technologies. Our research and teaching acknowledges the great importance of PGMs to South Africa. Our mission is to contribute to fundamental new knowledge of the chemistry of the PGMs, and to develop the skills to meet the needs of this industry. We teach both undergraduate and graduate students to carry out research in this area and thus provide them with specialist knowledge for future careers. We aim to establish a nationally and internationally recognized centre of expertise in the field of Platinum Group Metals.