The Brains of Nynas: Thomas Norrby
Thomas Norrby is Technical Manager for Lubricants and Transformer Oils at Nynas. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor for 20 years in the field of applied tribology, currently at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Here's what's on his mind.
Thomas Norrby
After studying Chemistry at Stockholm University and the University of Sussex, Thomas went on to graduate school at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm.
Upon completing his PhD in Organic chemistry, he joined Statoil Lubricants, which at the time was getting more involved in environmentally adapted fluids. Following more than a decade as R&D Manager, Thomas was recruited to Nynas in 2014.
His current position is Technical Manager for Lubricants and Transformer oils. He has also served as Adjunct Professor for 20 years in the field of applied tribology, a key aspect of the use of oil and grease in mechanical engineering, currently at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
30 % INNOVATION
Finding the right solutions, utilising all the power of science, technology and engineering to deliver sustainable results and innovation. The sheer joy of working with fellow scientists across disciplines. The excitement of the discovery, to tread where no one has ever quite been before. Sensing how ideas develop and grow into products and solutions.
14 % ROOM TO GROW
Creating together, working with people. Being a positive force and an enabler, empowering the colleagues in my teams and my students at the university. Watching them grow and become independent and proud of their skills and results. I like to coach and share my inspiration and awe for science.
22% HEALTH & SAFETY
Being a small part of a largescale chemical industry, and responsible for several research and test laboratories, I am absolutely convinced that my teams and I can work with all kinds of equipment and chemicals in a safe way. We are constantly on the alert, monitoring safety and behaviour, always ready to challenge each other to improve a bit more. Failure is not an option.
16 % CONNECTING
Connecting to the world. Connecting to my Nynas colleagues around the world. Connecting to our customers, to fellow scientists, chemists and tribologists. Reaching out to students and schools, helping to spread good news about getting a science education and coming to work for applied science, either at the university or in industry.
18 % HOBBIES
I enjoy some quiet gardening around the house, as a counterpoint to frequent travel – I even have a small vegetable garden and a potato patch! Music is very important to me and my family, and I have been a choral singer since the age of seven. Being chemist at heart, I am also very interested in food and wine. I like to spend time on the water, either in my boat during the bright summer or on ice skates during the long, cold, dark Swedish winters.
