Computational chemistry, especially density functional theory, has experienced a remarkable growth in terms of application over the last few decades. This is attributed to the improvements in theory and computing infrastructure that enable the analysis of systems of unprecedented size and detail at an affordable computational expense. In this perspective, we discuss recent progress and current challenges facing electronic structure theory in the context of heterogeneous catalysis. We specifically focus on the impact of computational chemistry in elucidating and designing catalytic systems in three topics of interest to Haldor Topsoe - ammonia, synthesis, hydrotreating, and NOx reduction. We then discuss the common tools and concepts in computational catalysis that underline these topics and provide a perspective on the challenges and future directions of research in this area of catalysis research. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.