Christian Obinger

Christian Obinger is a Professor and Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he leads the Institute of Biochemistry. His work focuses on bioinorganic chemistry, molecular enzymology, and heme protein biochemistry, with expertise in protein engineering, spectroscopy, and redox reaction dynamics.

Research interests include the structural and mechanistic analysis of heme peroxidases (e.g., myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase) and chlorite dismutases, investigating how heme cofactors and protein environments modulate catalysis. He explores posttranslational modifications, substrate specificity, and the design of enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic applications.

Recent articles highlight studies on myeloperoxidase dimerization, peroxidasin inhibition, and chlorite dismutase mechanisms, employing advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. Trends involve redox reactions, protein-protein interactions, and heme enzyme structural biology.

Awards include the NOVARTIS Preis für Biochemie (2000) and Bodenkulturpreis der Wiener Wirtschaftskammer (1995). He has led 22 major projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and Christian Doppler Research Association, focusing on peroxidases, catalase-peroxidases, and antibody engineering.

He contributes to knowledge transfer through media engagements and presentations at international conferences, including the International Human Peroxidase Meeting and Gordon Research Conferences. His lab at BOKU drives innovation in bioprocess science and enzyme design.