Thomas Koop

Prof. Dr. Thomas Koop is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Bielefeld University, where he leads the Atmospheric and Physical Chemistry research group within the Faculty of Chemistry. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry from 2022-2024 and currently serves as Vice Dean (2024-2025).

His research focuses on phase transition phenomena, particularly ice nucleation and growth, supercooled liquids, and the formation of amorphous glassy materials. His work has significant implications for understanding atmospheric aerosols, cloud formation mechanisms, and cryobiological processes. The group employs experimental techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry and optical cryo-microscopy, developing specialized equipment for studying phase transitions at micro and nanoscales.

Prof. Koop's publication record shows a consistent focus on atmospheric chemistry with increasing exploration of biological ice nucleators, planetary atmospheres (including Venus), and the physical properties of atmospheric aerosols. His most cited work includes 'Water activity as the determinant for homogeneous ice nucleation in aqueous solutions' (Nature, 2000), which established fundamental principles in the field.

• 2024-2025: Vice Dean of Faculty of Chemistry
• 2022-2024: Dean of Faculty of Chemistry
• 2001-2022: Co-founder and Executive Editor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
• Since 2004: Coordinator of Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Prof. Koop has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of atmospheric scientists. His research has been supported by various funding agencies and has led to collaborations with institutions worldwide, from MIT and UC Berkeley to research centers in Switzerland and Israel.