Previously, Hermans obtained a MSc in chemistry at Utrecht University and a PhD degree on oil paint degradation from the University of Amsterdam, and was awarded a NWO-Veni grant in 2019. 

Hermans' research focuses on the chemistry of oil paint. With a combination of fundamental chemistry research methods and more applied methodologies, he tries to understand how the molecular structure of oil paint evolves over time, and how paint materials can deteriorate as a consequence of environmental conditions or conservation treatments. Additionally, he works on analytical methods that can help us understand the causes of deterioration in a variety of materials in art.