Pieter Samyn received Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2007 on polymer tribology. He followed an academic career at Universities of Ghent, Freiburg, Toronto and Hasselt; until 2021 when he joined Sirris as a Senior Researcher in Circular Economy and Renewable Materials. His experiences focus on synthesis, processing and characterization of bio-based materials for polymers, composites and coatings. He led research projects on bio-inspired adhesion mechanisms, protective coatings for papers, advanced analytics and processing of nanocomposites from bio-based building blocks. He is expert in the development of bio-based coatings with advanced functionalities. In his current role, he assists companies in the implementation of bio-based coatings and paints for industrial applications.