Michael Zumstein

Michael Zumstein is an Assistant Professor for Biotransformation at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna. His research group investigates the biotransformation and biodegradation of anthropogenic organic chemicals in natural and engineered environments, combining techniques from environmental analytical chemistry and molecular biology.

His research focuses on:

• Water-soluble polymers important for home and personal care products
• Biomolecules as alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and pesticides
• Enzymatic processes in wastewater systems
• Development of biodegradable chemicals

Professor Zumstein leads multiple research projects including:

• Cluster of Excellence: Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health
• Biodegradation of Water-Soluble Polymers in Engineered and Natural Aquatic Environments (collaboration with BASF SE)
• Exploring Extracellular Enzymes from Wastewater Microbial Communities
• Biotransformation of Biopesticides in Agricultural Soils

He has received the Ambizione Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation to investigate peptide-based antibiotics in wastewater systems. His research group includes several PhD students and researchers working on environmental biotechnology projects.