Marcus Drosson is Principal Scientist at Umicore, leading since 2018 the multidisciplinary Computational Science research group in Corporate R&D. The group’s scope encompasses data science, materials modelling, and process simulation, supporting business units globally with digital tools and predictive models for process optimisation and innovation across battery materials, catalysis, and precious metal recycling.

A key focus in recent years has been the digitalisation program at the Hoboken recycling facility, where the team has implemented advanced modelling, AI-enabled material characterisation, smart control, and solutions for reducing environmental footprint. Recent efforts include deploying large language models (LLMs) for knowledge retrieval, reasoning, and holistic process optimisation. By collaborating closely with IT and operational teams, computational methods are now embedded across R&D and plant operations.

Marcus holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Liège University (2013), specialising in numerical simulations for fluid dynamics. Since joining Umicore in 2011, he has played a key role in advancing the company’s digitalisation strategy for its business units.

Beyond Umicore, Marcus has been an industrial board member of the Flemish Supercomputing Centre (VSC), and serves as industrial expert for VLAIO, and industry contact for collaborative research projects with European Horizon calls, regional funding bodies, and Flemish universities. He regularly delivers guest lectures and acts as an industry promoter in PhD research, further strengthening the link between academia and industry.