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Dr. Thomas Brück is the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology at the Technical University of Munich in the School of Natural Sciences. He received his B.Sc. in chemistry, biochemistry and management science and his master’s degree in molecular medicine from Keele University. He was awarded his PhD in protein biochemistry from Greenwich University. Next, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Center of Excellence for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine at Florida Atlantic University, where he subsequently served on the faculty as an assistant professor. Thomas then accepted a position in industry at the chemicals company Süd-Chemie In Munich, and he worked there for about four years before joining the faculty at the Technical University of Munich. Thomas’s research group was cited in the IPCC world climate report 1.5 for their work on industrial routes for a permanent CO2 sink. In addition, the European Business Council for Sustainable energy recognized Thomas with the e-ward in 2018 for this work. Further, Thomas was the inaugural recipient of the Technical University of Munich’s sustainability award in 2019. He has also been elected as a member of the German Bioeconomy Council, where he provides advice to the federal government on sustainability matters. In this interview Thomas shares more about his life and science.
People Behind the Science Podcast Show Notes
Life Outside of Science (2:58, 27:01)
Outside of science, Thomas is an active scuba diver and enjoys exploring the underwater world. He also likes to spend quality time with his family and educate the next generation about current global challenges surrounding climate change and sustainability.
The Scientific Side (5:11)
Thomas uses biotechnology methods to more efficiently bind CO2 from the atmosphere using plants and algae, and he also uses biomass to create value-added products that we can use in daily life. Some examples are carbon fiber materials that can be used in production of cars or proteins that can be used in foods.
A Dose of Motivation (6:09)
Providing a livable planet for future generations motivates Thomas every day.
What Got You Hooked on Science? (12:16)
From an early age, Thomas was exposed to and became fascinated by science. His father was a commercial chemist and his grandfather was founder of an engineering school in Germany. Thomas fondly recalls his family taking him out in nature and teaching him the names of plants, rocks, and minerals, and he received his first microscope from his grandfather when he was six years old. When he went to away to college, Thomas quickly realized that he wanted to study biochemistry to better understand the molecular workings of life. This brought him to England and launched his career in biochemistry and biotechnology.
The Low Points: Failures and Challenges (22:13)
After seven long years, Thomas and his colleagues will soon publish a method for genetically engineering a type of yeast, called oleaginous yeasts, to make tailor-made fats that can be substitutes for palm oil and cocoa oil. This work has the potential to transform the food and biofuel industries. The project passed through the hands of three different graduate students over the years, and it took time to troubleshoot and to find the right person to do the work.
A Shining Success! (23:50)
They were able screen their algae database and strain banks to quickly find an algae that produces 70% of proteins. This discovery has the potential to solve a critical global food security problem because protein-deficits are a dire issue in developing and emerging countries. Beyond the research successes, Thomas feels happy and accomplished every time a student graduates from his lab. It is really rewarding to guide and advise students to help them launch their independent research careers.
Book Recommendations (26:48)
Short Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking
Most Treasured Travel ( 27:36)
While his work has taken him to many fantastic places over the years, Canada, Florida, and Australia are some of his favorites. In Canada, he really connected with the people there. Thomas spent several years in Florida for his postdoctoral training and the early part of his faculty career, and he formed strong personal ties and great friends there as well. Visiting Australia has also been an excellent experience, both scientifically and personally. Thomas has fantastic collaborators in Australia, and he has enjoyed going on trips to the rainforest, seeing the wildlife on Kangaroo Island, and traveling by river to tour downtown Brisbane.
Quirky Traditions and Funny Memories (32:17)
Thomas and his colleagues have gone on numerous research expeditions to the Bahamas to collect coral samples for their work. They have been studying the enzymatic pathways that lead to production of an anti-inflammatory drug in these corals for about fifteen years now. The group developed a ceremony on these trips for all new members. They would dive for conch shells for the group to eat for lunch, but the new initiates each get to eat the particularly phallic looking part of the conch. In the lab, Thomas also gifts each graduating student an engraved pen set, a watch, and a bottle of their choice of drink. These items have special significance as a reminder that time is precious, and sometimes you need to let go and unwind to generate innovative ideas.
Advice For Us All (38:11)
If you fall, dust yourself off and carry on. Never give up. Also, think about what you can do in your daily life to reduce consumption and contribute to a sustainable future.
Guest Bio
Thomas’s interests revolve around aspects of sustainable bioprocess development to establish a globally connected circular bioeconomy. His main expertise is in biocatalysis, encompassing both whole cell systems as well as designed enzyme cascades, that enable the molecular-selective and energy-efficient conversion of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, as well as residual biomass from agricultural, forest, and food sectors into value adding products for the chemical, bioenergy, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Translation of fundamental scientific knowledge to industrial processes and products is very important to Thomas‘s research interactions. His motto is: Scientific Innovation that is not turned into real world products does not exist and hence cannot contribute to enable a transition to a sustainable society. Outside work Thomas enjoys hiking in the Bavarian Alps, diving in the Mediterranean Sea (or anywhere else), and being with his family. In his rather limited spare time Thomas reads non-scientific literature with a philosophical touch. Two of his favorite books are “Siddhartha” from the German author Hermann Hesse and “Short Answers to the Big Questions” by the late Stephen Hawking. Thomas lives in rural Bavaria, with his wife, two daughters, three guinea pigs, and an aquarium full of tropical fish. The surrounding agricultural activities, lakes, and forests are inviting for long walks with the family in the countryside, providing relaxation and a clear mind to all.