Prof. Dr. Stephen J. Picken is a professor of polymer materials at TU Delft. He started his career studying experimental and theoretical physics at Groningen University. After obtaining his Drs. Degree, in 1985, he worked at Akzo (Nobel) corporate research Arnhem while pursuing his PhD from Utrecht University (1990, cum-laude, promotores Prof. Dr. H.N.W. Lekkerkerker, Dr. Ir. M.G. Northolt). He is a specialist in physical structure-property relationships in polymeric and liquid crystalline materials, particularly related to mechanical, optical, and functional properties (ultra-high performance fibers, optical display elements, ionic polymer electrolytes, self-healing polymer nano-composites). His recent focus is on bio-based polymer materials sourced from waste treatment processes: the Kaumera® glycoprotein from industrial and municipal wastewater and the aliphatic biopolyester PHBV obtained from food and agricultural waste, and wastewater treatment processes.