Good vibrations: A review on the scientific work of John van der Maas

The vibrational spectroscopic research of John van der Maas has been reviewed on the occasion of his retirement as founder and editor of Vibrational Spectroscopy. Highlights from a career that spans over 40 years have been briefly described, covering IR and Raman studies on a wide variety of subjects such as sampling techniques, computerized spectral interpretation, polymer and catalyst characterization, but also in education. Special attention has been given to his pioneering role in research on frequency–structure correlations, particularly in relation to hydrogen bonding interactions in alcohols and carbohydrates.