David Gurtner

David Gurtner is a researcher at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) and the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI), where he is completing his Dr. techn. degree in Environmental, Process and Energy Engineering. He teaches Chemical Laboratory including Instrumental Analysis at MCI and supervises Bachelor's theses focused on waste wood utilization and activated carbon production.

His educational background includes:

• M.Sc. in Environmental, Process, and Energy Engineering from Management Center Innsbruck (2019-2021)
• B.Sc. in Environmental, Process, and Energy Engineering from Management Center Innsbruck (2015-2018)
• Chemical Engineering exchange at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul (2017)
• Ing. in Mechanical Engineering from Federal Technical College and Research Institute (2009-2014)

Gurtner's research focuses on sustainable materials and renewable energy, with expertise in biomass gasification, activated carbon production from waste wood, and thermochemical processes. His work bridges chemical engineering and environmental science, developing practical solutions for waste utilization and renewable resource conversion. He has pioneered methods for integrating activation processes into commercial wood gasification plants while improving electrical efficiency.

His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory in sustainable carbon materials research, with increasing focus on industrial-scale applications and process integration. Recent work emphasizes the dual benefits of activated carbon production alongside PAH removal and energy efficiency improvements in gasification systems.

Notable achievements include:

• Student Award at European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (2025)
• Finalist for BOKU Research to Market Award (2025)
• M merit Scholarship from Federal Ministry of Science (2020)
• Raiffeisen International Award 2017

Gurtner actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with multiple supervised theses exploring practical applications of waste wood conversion technologies. His work maintains strong industry connections, reflecting his commitment to translating academic research into real-world solutions for sustainable materials production.