ABOUT DR BURGERT BLOM

A life in science.
A passion for teaching.

Dr Burgert Blom. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, he is recognised as a dedicated academic, researcher, and innovator in both science and student-centred learning.

Portrait of Dr Burgert Blom
DR BURGERT BLOM · CHEMIST & EDUCATOR
SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE. HUMAN CONNECTION.

Dr Burgert Blom.

Dr Burgert Blom is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 25 years of experience in higher education across South Africa and Europe. He is recognised for his pioneering work in student-centred learning, curriculum design, and science education, alongside expertise in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Currently an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town, he has also held positions at Maastricht University, TU Berlin, and the University of Bonn.

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01

Research & Teaching

Dr Blom’s research focuses on metal-based compounds for cancer treatment, catalysis, and synthetic applications. With 60+ publications, a patent, and over 2,400 citations, his work continues to shape advancements in chemistry. As an educator, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, blending research-based teaching with mentorship to inspire the next generation of scientists.

02

Leadership & Vision

Beyond the laboratory and classroom, Dr Blom has served on curriculum committees, admissions boards, and quality assurance panels, contributing to the growth of higher education. Passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and global collaboration, he continues to bridge cutting-edge research with transformative education, advancing solutions to today’s scientific and societal challenges.

03

Academic Leadership & Innovation

  • Specialist in curriculum reform, research-based learning (RBL), and problem-based learning (PBL).
  • Experienced in higher education governance, admissions, and quality assurance.
  • Strong track record in international collaboration and cross-cultural academic partnerships.
  • Editorial board member and reviewer for leading international journals.
04

Research & Impact

  • 60+ peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and a patent
  • Research cited more than 2,400 times with an h-index of 25.
  • Research featured on the front covers of prestigious journals including Chemistry – A European Journal, Dalton Transactions, and Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers.
  • Active collaborations with world-leading universities and medical research centres.
05

Teaching & Mentorship

Dr Blom is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. He has coordinated and taught courses in inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, and general chemistry across South Africa and Europe. His innovative approach to teaching combines digital pedagogy, interdisciplinary learning, and problem-solving to prepare students for global challenges.

He has supervised:

  • 5 PhD students
  • 8+ Master’s students
  • Over 30 Bachelor theses
  • Editorial board member and reviewer for leading international journals.

Many of his mentees have gone on to successful postgraduate and professional careers.

06

Recognition & Awards

  • Dr Edmund ter Meer Prize for the best Chemistry Doctorate (University of Bonn, 2012).
  • Multiple international awards for research presentations and travel.
  • Grants from the SWOL Research Foundation (2020, 2023).
  • Winner of the International Science Fair Chemistry Prize (1999).
07

Beyond Academia

Outside of research and teaching, Dr Blom is an avid theatre actor and director, abstract artist, and creative writer. He has even completed a novel set in 1980s South Africa.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

What people say.

Niccoló AldeghiFormer student
During my chemistry studies, I had the privilege of being supervised by Burgert—an experience that had a lasting impact on both my academic and personal growth. His passion for chemistry is truly inspiring, and the way he explains complex concepts makes the subject come alive. Learning under his guidance was never just about passing exams; it was about truly understanding and enjoying the science. Burgert was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also consistently supportive and approachable. Whether I had questions during lectures or needed guidance during my bachelor thesis, he was always there to help. Thanks to his mentorship, I was able to carry out research that led to my thesis being published on Elsevier—an achievement I’m deeply proud of. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with someone so dedicated and inspiring. Burgert’s guidance has been one of the highlights of my academic journey.
Fabrice BirembautFormer Colleague
I have had the pleasure to know Dr Burgert Blom for the last 10 years. Since we have met at the University of Maastricht where we were both teaching chemistry to the undergraduate students of the Science programme, I have been impressed with Burgert’s level of commitment to the students’ experience and welfare. Burgert’s courses were always well researched and contained examples that made them so much more relatable to the students. Of course, Burgert is an internationally renowned researcher in the field of inorganic chemistry and he has used the results from his research to push the boundaries of what is taught at higher level. I have also witnessed Burgert associating students to his research through projects and sharing the rewards with them, hence helping them with their future career. Burgert is also a caring tutor who has the welfare of his students at heart. He is able to guide them to choose the most appropriate course so that they can tailor their degree to what they want to achieve. Burgert is also not afraid to go out of his way to help his tutees if or when they find themselves in a difficult situation, may it be an academic one or even personal. To sum this, I believe that Burgert is a great tutor and a fantastic teacher and researcher. Dr Fabrice Birembaut, PhD
Matylda Odachowski HumanFormer Student
Dr Burgert Blom, under whose supervision I conducted my bachelor's thesis research after completing several of his courses, is not only an outstanding teacher, but also an inspiring mentor. His extensive knowledge and his passion for providing top-class education makes even the most difficult of scientific topics not only enjoyable, but also worth the effort of unraveling and understanding. His enthusiasm and attention to detail are contagious, and his mentorship skills make it possible for his students to adopt a similar mindset, nurturing in them a desire to contribute to science at the highest standard; this quality allowed me, a young student with no prior education or experience in chemistry, to find a calling in the subject which seemed so inaccessible and intimidating to me throughout secondary education, resulting in my publishing of three peer-reviewed scientific articles in reputable journals within three years of obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I believe that if more educators adopted Prof. Dr Burgert Blom’s approaches, the scientific community would be enriched with a new generation of researchers who prioritise rigour and curiosity in the name of advancing knowledge for the betterment of science and society.
Dr Katleen DenolfFormer colleague and professor at Hasselt University, Belgium
Recommendation for Dr Burgert Blom – Chemistry & STEM Didactics Expert I had the pleasure of first working with Dr Burgert Blom at Maastricht University, where I came to know him as an exceptionally dedicated and rigorous chemistry professor. His commitment to deep learning, both in theory and in practice, was immediately apparent. He combines a profound understanding of his subject matter with a genuine passion for fostering meaningful learning experiences among students. Our professional paths crossed again when I moved to Hasselt University as a professor in STEM didactics. Over the years, we collaborated on several projects focused on STEM didactics, including a highly enriching international cooperation with the University of Johannesburg. In every project, Prof. Blom brought not only his expertise in chemistry but also his sharp insight into didactic approaches and curriculum design. He bridges the gap between content mastery and effective teaching like few others can. His ability to translate complex chemical concepts into accessible and engaging university-level lessons makes him an invaluable asset in both traditional and innovative educational settings. Prof. Blom understands how students learn and adapts his teaching methods accordingly—always with enthusiasm, precision, and care. I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr Burgert Blom as a consultant for chemistry education at the university level. His expertise, combined with his collaborative mindset and international experience, make him the ideal partner for institutions aiming to enhance the quality and impact of their science education programs.
Alex ApostolouFormer Student
Through my bachelor degree mr Burgert allowed to unlock my academic potential and understand chemistry in a much deeper level. His unmoving stance on standards and expectations is what allows his students to grasp complex concepts beyond just memorizing them for an exam. As a thesis supervisor mr Burgert is a valuable advisor and mentor who will push you to take your lab and writing skills to the next level, where he believes you should be.
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