Hans Hofstraat completed his thesis (Free University, Amsterdam; awarded by Royal Dutch Shell prize) and post-doctoral work (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) on low-temperature high-resolution luminescence spectroscopy. Subsequently he turned to marine environmental research, in the laboratory of the Dutch Public Works Department in Rijswijk, The Netherlands. He then moved to industry, conducting research at Akzo Nobel Central Research in Arnhem, the Netherlands. From 1998-2008 he was part-time professor in the Institute of Molecular Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam. In 1998 he was appointed department head at Philips Research, Eindhoven (the Netherlands). In 2003 he was appointed Vice President Philips Research. In 2005 he became Sector Head Molecular Medicine in Philips Research Europe, and globally responsible for the Focal Area Molecular Medicine in Philips Research. Since 2007 he is responsible for Healthcare Strategic Partnerships in Philips Research worldwide, actively driving the Open Innovation approach to Philips’ Healthcare research program. Since 2009 he is Innovation Program Manager and member of the Program Board within Philips Research, focusing on various innovation topics across and adjacent to the Philips HealthTech portfolio.