Stephan Pilz

Stephan Pilz serves as Professor of Mechanical Process Engineering at Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences (THGA) in Bochum, Germany, a position he has held since 2021. He concurrently leads the Process Engineering department (since 2023) and serves on the university Senate (since 2024). Prior to academia, Pilz held executive roles at Evonik including Head of Marketing & Sales (2016-2019) and Vice President for Regional Development in India (2012-2016), demonstrating extensive industry experience bridging chemical engineering and global business operations.

His academic credentials include a Dr.-Ing. (magna cum laude) from Karlsruhe University (2005) for research on thermo-chemical recycling, a Diplom-Ingenieur in Mechanical Engineering from Stuttgart University (1989-1995), and an ERASMUS-funded Master of Science from Manchester University (1993-1994). He also completed a visiting scientist position at MIT's Energy Lab in 1998, focusing on Pinch Technology.

Pilz's research centers on mechanical process engineering with emphasis on comminution technology, solid-liquid separation, and dust removal systems. His work extends to primary/secondary raw material processing, environmental technology, circular economy frameworks, and business innovation coaching for startups. Teaching responsibilities include core courses in Mechanical Process Engineering 1 & 2, Environmental Technology, and Innovation & Start-up Management, reflecting his dual expertise in technical processes and commercial implementation.

Analysis of his publication history (1997-2019) reveals three dominant research trajectories: supercritical fluid applications for extraction and waste treatment (particularly SCWO systems), industrial scale-up methodologies for chemical processes, and strategic analysis of chemical manufacturing ecosystems in emerging markets like India. His work consistently bridges fundamental thermodynamics with practical industrial implementation, evidenced by patents in extraction technologies and numerous conference presentations at venues like ACHEMA.

Professional recognition includes active membership in VDI, DECHEMA, and processnet (where he chaired a technical committee for several years), plus affiliations with the Pricing Professionals Society (USA) and Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. While no formal scientific awards are documented, his leadership roles in professional societies indicate peer recognition.

As Academic Advisor at THGA, Pilz mentors students in mechanical process engineering programs, integrating his industry experience into curriculum development. His consultancy work since 2019 focuses on business innovation, though specific grant funding details remain undisclosed. Current research likely extends his longstanding work on circular economy applications and waste valorization technologies.

Collaborative frameworks include partnerships with DECHEMA and processnet committees, with emphasis on translating academic research into industrial practice. His patent portfolio and Evonik leadership roles suggest strong industry-academia connections, particularly in supercritical extraction and chemical recycling technologies.