Ira Pastor, ideaXme life sciences ambassador and founder of Bioquark, interviews, Dr. Marcus Remmers, PhD, Chief Technology Officer at DSM.
Ira Pastor comments:
As we continue upon our core themes of health, wellness, and longevity, amongst the unique aging demographic shifts occurring in the coming decades, we can’t overlook the importance of the global chemicals industry in coming up with novel solutions for the population.
Central to the modern world economy, the global chemicals industry comprises a $4 trillion industry which converts a variety of raw materials into more than 70,000 different products.
Healthy Animals, People and Planet
Life sciences chemicals (about 30% of the dollar output of the chemistry business) include a wide variety of differentiated chemical and biological substances, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, animal health products, vitamins, and agricultural products.
Speciality chemicals, representing another 10%, are a broad range of higher value materials used on the basis of their performance or function, and may include, but are not limited to such classes as adhesives, colors, fragrances, industrial gases, lubricants, paints, polymers, and surfactants.
Holistic Health and Nutrition
Royal DSM, commonly known as DSM, is a Dutch multinational active in the fields Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. Headquartered in the Netherlands, DSM employs over 21,000 people, in approximately 50 countries, and has annual sales of around €9 billion.
Dr. Marcus Remmers CTO, DSM
We’re honored today to be joined by Dr. Marcus Remmers, Chief Technology Officer at DSM, who is responsible for DSM’s global Science and Technology portfolio.
Dr. Remmers graduated in Chemistry at the Universities of Münster and Freiburg, completed his Doctorate Thesis at the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Chemistry in Mainz, and did post graduate research at Stanford, Caltech and Cambridge.
Dr. Remmers has strong knowledge and experience in polymer and life sciences R&D, business operations, business development, strategy and change management.
Dr. Remmers started his career with Hoechst/Intervet in several managerial roles. In 2001, he joined Merial Ltd. (the animal health division of Merck, and then Sanofi), where he had roles in Business Development, Country Management, Project and Portfolio Management and R&D in Pharma and Biologics.
In April 2017, Dr. Remmers became Chief Technology Officer of DSM, where he works to secure the company’s technology position and at the same time execute on a mission for “purpose-led innovation”, developing disruptive business models for not just profits, but for sustainability, where future leaders will need purpose in their hearts, not just their heads, as they develop the next generation of products for humanity.
On this show we will hear from Dr. Remmers about:
His background, how he became interested in science, in chemistry, and ultimately how he worked his way into the leadership roles of some of the world’s largest chemical and pharma companies. His experience/learnings/contrasts between the pharmaceuticals business and the chemicals business. The importance of AI/data management in the development of new chemical products, such as in the case of DSM’s “personalized nutrition platform.”
The topic of “Aging in Place” from a chemicals industry perspective and how the development of materials that are lighter, stronger and more durable, can enhance the ability of the elderly to live in their own homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably. About the role of sustainability in a purpose-led, innovation focused organization.
This interview is in American English
Further Information:
- Replacing fish with algae
- Minimizing methane from cattle
- Keeping the world growing population healthy
- Circular carpet
Credits: Ira Pastor interview video, text, and audio.
Follow Ira Pastor on Twitter: @IraSamuelPastor
If you liked this interview, read our interview with the CEO of BlueNalu, who use biotech to create sustainable food resources.
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