During the first part of his career, John van Geuns engaged in the development of various petroleum by-products. He can be considered one of the founders of the petrochemical industry. Later on, he became interested in the interaction between light and matter. He acquired a considerable fortune and died at a relatively young age.

Establishment of the foundation

His widow, Catharina (To) Priem-van Rossum du Chattel (1883-1961) established the foundation 'John van Geuns Fonds' in 1957, in memory of her first husband. After her death, the foundation received a share of their estate. The foundation's purpose is "to promote the study of chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, more particularly where chemical research is concerned, relating to the interaction of light and matter or the application or improvement of light sources."

Board of Governors

The board consists of three professors of chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, an emeritus professor of accountancy, and two relatives of the founder, Mrs. Priem-van Rossum du Chattel:

Prof. W. J. (Wybren Jan) Buma (chair)

Dr E.A.G. (Els) van den Bent (secretary/treasurer)

Prof. A.M. (Fred) Brouwer

Prof. C.J. (Kees) Elsevier

Prof. J.J.A. (Hans) Leenaars RA

A.E. (Ariëtte) Dommering MSc