Dr. Oliver Thum

Biography

Oliver Thum is a part-time full professor in Biocatalysis at Delft University of Technology. He is also the Head of the Global Applied Technology Business Line “Interface & Performance” at the German chemical company Evonik. He holds a diploma in chemistry (similar to a Master’s degree) and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry and pharmacology from the University of Bonn, Germany. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical chemical industry, he initially focused on the development of enzymatic production processes, particularly in the synthesis of cosmetic ingredients. His work has led to the development of new products and optimized processes, as well as innovative reactor concepts and enzyme immobilization techniques alongside environmental life cycle assessments (LCA). He has taken on leading roles within R&D teams to scale up the production of biosurfactants, such as microbially produced surfactants, Rhamnolipids, and Sophorolipids. He is responsible for global Applied Technology Technical Service, overseeing more than 1000 specialty products across Evonik’s Business Lines. Dr. Thum has co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters, holds over 30 patents and patent applications, and has given more than 30 invited lectures at conferences, earning several innovation awards. Additionally, he has been involved in public-funded projects in collaboration with universities across Europe and has served as an expert evaluator for the European Commission and national funding agencies in the field of industrial biotechnology. In 2011, he participated in the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Leadership program. TU Delft supports his ongoing research activities in the biocatalysis group, aligning insights with industrial needs. His teaching responsibilities include the Design Course in the MSc Life Science Technology program and lectures on advanced biocatalysis.

Research Interests

Experience