Thomas Freese

CEO/CTO of Circolide, Postdoctoral researcher in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (Feringa group), Green Labs co-founder & sustainability officer | 359 ppm

Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands

About

Co-founder, CEO, and CTO at Circolide; developing sustainable building blocks, chemicals, and materials from (biomass) waste streams for the chemical industry. Beyond Benign ambassador; supporting Green Chemistry education via the implementation of the Green Chemistry Commitment across European research-performing organizations. Co-founder of the Green Labs team at the University of Groningen and member of Green Labs NL; currently advising universities, companies, and policymakers on sustainable science and laboratory practices. Recipient of the Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship by the Green Chemistry Institute of the American Chemical Society (2023). PhD in Chemistry focusing on sustainable catalysis (photo-, homo- and heterogeneous catalysis) and energy carriers (H2 and H2O2). Master research project in the Feringa group on sustainable materials, biobased polymers, and coatings in collaboration with AkzoNobel. MSc with joint research project between the groups of B. L. Feringa and K. Barta, developing a molecular motor from lignocellulose. BSc degree with research in the group of Prof. D. Stalke (University of Göttingen, Germany) on the synthesis of novel N-heterocyclic silylenes for catalytic applications. Chemical laboratory technician at the Remmers AG (Germany) with a focus on different types of coatings (water-based, organic-based, and polymers for wood/floor/furniture) and treatments for restoration and construction of buildings.

Experience

  • Circolide - Co-founder / CEO / CTO at Circolide
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

  • University of Groningen ()
    • Sustainable research certification, Green Labs UG
      Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

      Coordinating the auditing process for sustainable lab practices at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen. The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) is used for global certification in sustainable labs. For that Green Labs RUG FSE is supported by Green Labs NL and the Sustainable European Laboratories Network (SELS).

    • Co-founder of Green Labs UG
      Nov 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Within this working group we strive to create awareness and increase sustainable practices in the laboratories of the University.

  • Feringa Research Group (6 yrs 5 mos)
    • Postdoctoral Researcher in Green Chemistry
      Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    • PhD in Green Chemistry
      Oct 2020 - Sep 2024 · 4 yrs

    • Chemical Laboratory Technician
      Mar 2020 - Sep 2020 · 7 mos

  • Green Labs NL - Core Member at Green Labs NL
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

  • Green Lab Associates - Chief Sustainability Officer at Green Lab Associates
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos