Tom de Greef Joins Netherlands Academy of Engineering for DNA Data Storage
Eindhoven, Saturday, 4 January 2025.
Tom de Greef, a pioneer in DNA data storage, has been appointed as a fellow to the Netherlands Academy of Engineering, highlighting the significance of interdisciplinary research in advancing ICT technologies.
Prestigious Appointment and Recognition
Tom de Greef’s appointment to the Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE) was announced on January 1, 2025 [3], marking a significant milestone in the recognition of DNA data storage technology. The NAE, established in 2023, represents the Dutch engineering community’s integration into a global network of engineering academies [1]. De Greef joins as one of ten new fellows being installed on January 4, 2025, strengthening the academy’s influence among key decision-makers [1].
Innovation in DNA Data Storage
As a Professor of Synthetic Biology at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), De Greef has been pioneering scalable and environmentally friendly solutions to address the global data crisis [1]. His research is conducted at TU/e, an institution known for its strong industry collaboration and research output [4]. The university maintains a diverse international community, with staff from 107 different nationalities contributing to its innovative research environment [2].
Impact on Technology and Society
De Greef’s work aligns with the NAE’s mission to provide practical advice to science and industry, as emphasized by NAE chair Henk van Houten [1]. ‘These topics are vital, as they combine technical feasibility with societal benefits, ensuring long-term resilience in healthcare and technology ecosystems,’ states De Greef [1]. His appointment reflects the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in tackling future technological challenges [3].
Future Collaborations and Developments
The appointment is expected to catalyze future research collaborations between De Greef and other academy members [3]. Through his position at the NAE, De Greef aims to utilize Pasteur’s Quadrant approach to address both societal and technological challenges in biomedical engineering [1], contributing to the advancement of DNA storage technology and synthetic biology applications.