Dr. Norbert Niessner obtained his diploma in Chemistry at the University of Marburg, Germany in 1986. He completed his doctoral studies in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Marburg under the direction of Prof. Heitz in 1989.
From 1989-1990 he worked as a post-doctoral fellow at IBM Almaden Research labs in San Jose, California. After joining BASF in 1990 as a research chemist, he subsequently held several positions in R&D, marketing and sales in Europe, as well as in Asia. In 2011, he joined Styrolution, a joint venture between BASF and INEOS. Dr. Niessner is currently Director Global R&D and Intellectual Property at INEOS Styrolution.
Dr. Niessner is the inventor/co-inventor of a number of major styrenic polymer technologies and products, such as Terluran® ABS polymers, anionic block copolymers, and Luran® S ASA polymers. He has published more than 300 scientific papers, book chapters and patents/applications.
Dr. Niessner published the book “Practical Guide to Structures, Properties and Applications of Styrenic Polymers”. His R&D track record comprises synthesis and molecular dynamics of liquid crystalline polymers, development of world-scale polymer manufacturing technologies and product lines, polymers for 3D printing, chemical recycling and high-strength composites.