Thom Wiggers
Senior cryptography researcher at PQShield
About
Thom obtained his PhD in applied cryptography with distinction from Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. He is an expert in using the different characteristics of post-quantum schemes (KEM and signatures) to optimize the performance of protocols, and balancing trade-offs in protocol flow, runtime and bandwidth requirements. In his research, he has extensively explored how post-quantum cryptography can be integrated into real-world protocols, most notably TLS, but also WireGuard and Signal Messenger. Putting academic work into practice, Thom also contributes by participating in standardization efforts in the IETF, including co-chairing the PKI, Trees and Logs (PLANTS) Working Group that is working on modernizing the WebPKI with Merkle Tree Certificates. Thom also presents on and publishes thought leadership, such as the acclaimed PQC Digital Signatures Zoo.
Experience
Senior cryptography researcher
PQShield
Oct 2026 – Present
Thom obtained his PhD in applied cryptography with distinction from Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. He is an expert in using the different characteristics of post-quantum schemes (KEM and signatures) to optimize the performance of protocols, and balancing trade-offs in protocol flow, runtime and bandwidth requirements. In his research, he has extensively explored how post-quantum cryptography can be integrated into real-world protocols, most notably TLS, but also WireGuard and Signal Messenger. Putting academic work into practice, Thom also contributes by participating in standardization efforts in the IETF, including co-chairing the PKI, Trees and Logs (PLANTS) Working Group that is working on modernizing the WebPKI with Merkle Tree Certificates. Thom also presents on and publishes thought leadership, such as the acclaimed PQC Digital Signatures Zoo.
Independent
Oct 2026 – Present
Thom obtained his PhD in applied cryptography with distinction from Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. He is an expert in using the different characteristics of post-quantum schemes (KEM and signatures) to optimize the performance of protocols, and balancing trade-offs in protocol flow, runtime and bandwidth requirements. In his research, he has extensively explored how post-quantum cryptography can be integrated into real-world protocols, most notably TLS, but also WireGuard and Signal Messenger. Putting academic work into practice, Thom also contributes by participating in standardization efforts in the IETF, including co-chairing the PKI, Trees and Logs (PLANTS) Working Group that is working on modernizing the WebPKI with Merkle Tree Certificates. Thom also presents on and publishes thought leadership, such as the acclaimed PQC Digital Signatures Zoo.
