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Priv.Doz.DI Dr.nat.techn. Günter Langergraber is a Professor and Head of the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He also serves as Deputy Head of the Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure since 2025. With expertise in nature-based solutions , constructed wetlands , and resource-oriented sanitation systems , his work integrates modelling and simulation with practical applications for wastewater treatment and urban sustainability. Habilitation in Sanitary Engineering (2012), BOKU PhD in Natural Sciences (2001), BOKU His research focuses on developing advanced wastewater treatment technologies using constructed wetlands , biochar systems , and smart sensors . Key areas include urban water circularity , stormwater management , and climate resilience through nature-based infrastructure . He leads major EU-funded projects like ProCleanLakes and UniNEtZ , emphasizing the role of sustainable sanitation in achieving SDG 6 . Recent publications analyze: Design optimization of vertical flow wetlands using numerical models Implementation frameworks for circular cities via nature-based solutions Hydrological dynamics in Mediterranean and tropical wetland systems Soil water balance quantification via stable isotopes Scientific accolades include IWA Fellow (2014) and the IWA Project Innovation Award (2011) . He has supervised 478 publications and 56 projects, including EU Horizon 2020 initiatives and Austrian Science Fund (FWF) programs. As a keynote speaker at international conferences, he advocates for renaturalized urban water systems and decentralized sanitation . Langergraber contributes to technical guidelines (e.g., DWA-A 272) and policy reports for Austrian ministries. His work bridges academic research , industry collaboration , and public engagement through media appearances and training programs for wastewater plant operators.

• Sanitary Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment
• Constructed Wetlands
• +7 more

Christine Stumpp is a Professor at the Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management , affiliated with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) . Her work integrates hydrology , soil physics , and stable isotope analysis to address critical issues in groundwater recharge , climate change impacts on water systems , and microplastic transport in soils .

• Hydrology
• Hydrogeology
• Soil Physics
• +5 more

Angela Hofmann is a Senior Lecturer and Professor of Process Engineering at the Management Center Innsbruck, part of the University of Innsbruck. She leads the Josef Ressel Center for the production of powdered activated carbon from municipal residues and serves on strategic boards for renewable energy in Tyrol. Her roles span academia, research, and industry collaboration, focusing on sustainable energy systems and biomass valorization. Dr. Hofmann holds a Dr. techn. in Process Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna (2018) and advanced qualifications in project management, mediation, and environmental technology. Her teaching emphasizes process engineering, renewable energy systems, and synthetic biofuels. Her research centers on thermochemical biomass conversion, gasification technologies, activated carbon production from waste, and circular economy applications. Notable projects include the PowerBox gasification system, Tirol 2050 energy scenarios, and investigations into biochar properties and wastewater treatment applications. Dr. Hofmann has supervised over 40 theses and contributed to peer-reviewed journals and conferences. She actively participates in professional societies, including the German association of higher education and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

• Process Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Activated Carbon Production
• +4 more

Reinhard Neugschwandtner is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Agronomy , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna . His research focuses on sustainable crop production, soil science, and precision agriculture in Pannonian climates. Key projects: Agri-photovoltaic systems, digitalization in agriculture, drought-tolerant legumes, autonomous robotics in crop technology Leadership roles: Project leader in 8+ research initiatives since 2014 Research Interests : Dr. Neugschwandtner specializes in: Soil health and earthworm ecology under different tillage systems Nitrogen dynamics in legume-cereal intercropping systems Digital tools for canopy parameter estimation and precision farming Life cycle assessment of agricultural practices Climate-smart crop management strategies Scientific Awards : Awardee of five prestigious honors including: Kardinal-Innitzer-Förderungspreis (2017) Klaus Fischer Innovationspreis für Technik und Umwelt (2016) Walter-Kubiena-Preis (2008) BISi Award (2003) Publications & Presentations : Over 171 publications and 102 presentations focusing on: Long-term tillage experiments Winter crop adaptation Intercropping efficiency Digital agriculture tools Soil nutrient dynamics

• Agronomy
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Crop Production
• +5 more

Andrea Watzinger is a Senior Scientist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna , affiliated with the Institute of Soil Research under the Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences. With a habilitation in soil ecology (2015), she leads multidisciplinary projects on stable isotope applications for understanding biogeochemical processes in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Education : PhD in 2000 (BOKU), Erasmus Fellowship (1996-1997, Oxford Brookes University), MSc in Biology/Ecology (1999, University of Salzburg) Research Focus : Her work integrates stable isotope techniques to trace nutrient fate in soils, assess climate change impacts on agroecosystems, develop biochar-based remediation technologies, and quantify urban carbon footprints . Recent studies examine drought effects on forest carbon dynamics, microbial processes in contaminated soils, and drone-based gas monitoring systems. Scientific Contributions : Key projects include the Vienna Urban Carbon Laboratory (2021-2025), ISO-2-DRONE (2022), and Heavy Metal City-Zen (2019-2021). Her publications span groundwater remediation, isotope ecology, and sustainable soil management. Awards : Wissenschaftspreis Land Niederösterreich (2015), Förderpreis Wien (2004), Stiftung 120 Jahre BOKU (2002), Wissenschaftsagentur Salzburg (2000) Collaborative Networks : She collaborates with the Austrian Institute of Technology , European Geosciences Union , and Stable Isotope Network Austria , supervising interdisciplinary teams in hydrology, microbial ecology, and environmental engineering. Her outreach includes citizen science initiatives like Heavy Metal City-Zen for urban soil safety.

• Soil Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Remediation
• +5 more

Franz Zehetner is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Soil Research , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. His career spans over 15 years at the same institution, advancing from Postdoctoral Research Fellow to his current role. He holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Soil Science from BOKU Vienna. Research Focus : Zehetner specializes in soil development across volcanic chronosequences, nutrient cycling, microbial ecology, and environmental impacts of land use. His work integrates field studies in the Galápagos Islands, Taiwan, and Austria with laboratory experiments on soil contaminants and biochar applications. Soil evolution in Galápagos (climate, age, and anthropogenic drivers) Heavy metal behavior in agricultural and volcanic soils Carbon dynamics in extreme events and disturbed ecosystems Phosphorus speciation and fertilizer recycling Soil microbial community responses to climate change Scientific Awards include the Manfred Schwanninger Teaching Award (2021), Best Paper Award in the Journal of Environmental Quality (2016), and multiple journal recognitions for article downloads and impact. Grants & Collaborations reflect his leadership in Austria-Taiwan joint seminars and interdisciplinary projects on climate change. He has supervised over 130 lectures and presentations, emphasizing knowledge transfer to society through media and public engagement.

• Soil Science
• Geochemistry
• Environmental Research
• +7 more

Wolfgang Wanek is a Professor at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, tropical and temperate forest ecosystems, and the impacts of global change on ecosystems. He has led multiple research projects, including studies on soil organic matter dynamics, microbial necromass estimation, and the effects of climate anomalies on tree growth. Key research themes include nutrient cycling in soils, plant-microbe interactions, and the application of isotopic techniques to trace element fluxes. Wanek has contributed to over 265 publications and actively participates in international conferences, such as the European Geosciences Union (EGU) meetings. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land. Recent projects include investigating the effects of moss leachates on soil organic matter dynamics (2022–2026) and exploring the impacts of global warming on forest soil processes (2019–2022). He collaborates with global institutions, contributing to studies on tropical forest dynamics, soil carbon sequestration, and microbial community responses to environmental stressors.

• Microbiology
• Environmental Systems Science
• Soil Science
• +4 more

Dominik Bosch is a Lecturer and PhD student at the University of Innsbruck, affiliated with the Josef Ressel Centre for Sustainable Activated Carbon Production. His primary role involves teaching laboratory exercises in chemistry, alongside advancing his doctoral research on waste-to-resource technologies. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Innsbruck, and is currently pursuing a Dr. techn. in Engineering Sciences through the Doctoral Programme in Engineering Sciences. His research focuses on sustainable production of activated carbon from forestry and municipal residues, emphasizing applications in wastewater treatment, micropollutant adsorption, and circular economy practices. Key projects include one-step activation processes, biochar characterization, and valorization of residual wood. Bosch actively participates in academic societies like the Gesellschaft Österreichischer Chemiker (Austrian Chemical Society). His publications span peer-reviewed journals such as Chemical Engineering Research and Design and Carbon Resources Conversion , with a focus on environmental engineering and materials science. He has supervised multiple bachelor and master theses on topics like activated carbon properties, wastewater treatment efficacy, and reactor design optimization. Bosch’s work bridges laboratory-scale innovations with industrial applications, contributing to sustainable resource management and eco-friendly technologies. His presentations at conferences like the BioChar Summit and International Conference on Sustainable Energy highlight his commitment to advancing environmental science and engineering.

• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Materials
• +3 more

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.

• Biomass gasification
• Activated carbon production
• Waste wood utilization
• +4 more

Benjamin Hupfauf is a Researcher at the Management Center Innsbruck, specializing in thermal process engineering, environmental engineering, and renewable energy systems. He has held this position since February 2010 and concurrently pursued doctoral studies in Technical Sciences at Leopold Franzens University (University of Innsbruck) since 2012. His research focuses on biochar production, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), and sustainable waste-to-resource technologies. Education: Dr. techn. (Doctorate in Technical Sciences), Leopold Franzens University (2012–present) DI (FH) in Process and Environmental Engineering, Management Center Innsbruck (2004–2008) Higher Technical Training in Mechanical Engineering, Technical Institute (1998–2003) Research Interests: Dr. Hupfauf’s work addresses energy-efficient thermal processes, biochar applications in wastewater treatment, and microalgae-based nutrient recovery. His innovations include: Developing charcoal-based adsorbents for micropollutant removal Optimizing hydrothermal carbonization for agricultural and environmental applications Pioneering decentralized biomass gasification systems for cost-effective electricity generation His projects often integrate industrial collaboration, such as the Josef Ressel Center for powdered activated carbon production from municipal waste. Awards: Best Scientific Poster Award (2013) for work on biomass energy compression via HTC Grants & Projects: He leads over 20 research initiatives funded by entities like the Tyrolean Government, FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency), and industry partners. Notable projects include: TiHoB: Sustainable charcoal briquette production using novel binders ReCoal: Phosphorus recovery from wastewater using microalgae AFB: Functionalization of biochar as activated carbon by-product Labs & Teams: His work is conducted within the Management Center Innsbruck’s process engineering labs and collaborative frameworks like the Josef Ressel Center. He actively engages in international conferences (e.g., ACHEMA, Biochar Conferences) and supervises student research on topics ranging from biochar toxicity to HTC process optimization.

• Thermal Process Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Biochar Production
• +4 more

Eugenio Diaz-Pines is a Senior Scientist and Privatdozent at the Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he conducts research in biogeochemistry, soil science, and climate change mitigation. He completed his habilitation in biogeochemistry in 2023 and has led numerous national and EU-funded research projects on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas dynamics, and sustainable land management. Research Interests: His work focuses on the trade-offs between carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural and forest ecosystems. He investigates soil organic matter dynamics, nitrogen cycling, and the impacts of extreme weather events on soil biogeochemistry. His research integrates field experiments, long-term monitoring, and modeling to support climate-smart agriculture and forest management. The most recent publications highlight trends in soil carbon and nitrogen cycling , biochar and mineral amendments (e.g., zeolites, struvite), and climate change feedbacks in forest and cropland soils . His work emphasizes sustainable solutions for reducing agricultural emissions while enhancing soil health and carbon storage. Scientific Awards: Manfred Schwanninger Preis (2021) Advising and Grants: He has supervised over 15 Master’s and Diploma theses and is the principal investigator or project leader on multiple externally funded projects, including EU Horizon and FFG grants. His academic service includes guest editing for the journal Soil and extensive peer review for leading environmental science journals. Labs and Teams: He is actively involved in the Long-Term Ecosystem Research (LTER) network in Austria and contributes to international research infrastructures such as eLTER and ICOS, focusing on carbon, water, and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.

• Biogeochemistry
• Soil Science
• Carbon Sequestration
• +8 more

Dr. Rebecca Hood-Nowotny is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Soil Research , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. She holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Reading (1990-1993) and an MBA from the Open University (2004-2006). Research Focus : Stable isotope applications in soil-plant systems, biochar for carbon sequestration, heavy metal remediation in post-mining soils, and climate change impacts on agroecosystems. Publications : 15+ recent works examine soil regeneration in Indonesia, drought stress detection in forests, and UAV-based greenhouse gas monitoring. Scientific Recognition : Recipient of the Elisa Richter Fellowship for nitrogen cycling research. Led WWTF-funded projects like the Nitrogenome Project (2006-2008).

• Soil Science
• Environmental Science
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• +5 more

Jan Back is a Lecturer in Environmental, Process and Energy Engineering at MCI - The Entrepreneurial School. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck (2021) and has been at MCI since 2020. His research focuses on membrane technologies, micropollutant removal, and sustainable materials for water treatment. He leads projects like BorN-To-Degrade (FFG/Bridge, 2025-2028) and PFASelect (Interreg Bay-Aut, 2025-2028), addressing PFAS and pollutant degradation. Education: BSc (2012) and MSc (2015) in Environmental Engineering from MCI, followed by a PhD in Chemistry (2021). Professional roles include Visiting Researcher at University of Strathclyde (2015) and Research Associate at V&F Analyse- und Messtechnik (2013-2015). Research Interests: Combining membrane technology with adsorption and advanced oxidation for water treatment. Key areas include activated carbon production from waste biomass, hybrid membranes, and photocatalytic materials. His work emphasizes sustainability, circular economy, and scalable solutions for environmental challenges. Grants/Projects: Overseeing initiatives like MemComPolice (IKB, 2023-2024) and PFAS-Trap (KPC, 2022-2025). He has been awarded the 2022 Science Prize of Innsbruck City for innovation at MCI. Collaborations include European Membrane Society (EMS) membership and industry partnerships on PFAS removal and membrane regeneration. Students: Supervised 10+ theses on topics like mixed-matrix membranes, plasma treatment, and activated carbon applications. Active in mentoring projects involving cell perfusion modules and ceramic membrane characterization. Labs/Teams: Leads teams in membrane fabrication, photocatalyst development, and industrial biochar applications. Engaged in interdisciplinary projects merging environmental engineering with chemical polymer science.

• Environmental Engineering
• Membrane Technology
• Water Treatment
• +4 more

Rafat Al Afif is a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Process and Energy Technology within the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). He previously served as an Associate Professor at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damascus, Syria (2009-2019) and as a Lecturer at FH Campus Wien, Austria (2016-2020). Dr. Al Afif's research focuses on renewable energy systems with particular emphasis on bioenergy conversion technologies, biogas production, hydrothermal carbonization, and sustainable energy solutions for developing regions. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, especially in waste-to-energy conversion and off-grid energy solutions for rural communities. He has developed expertise in anaerobic digestion processes, optimization of biomass conversion technologies, and techno-economic analysis of renewable energy systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward practical applications of renewable energy technologies in developing regions, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. His work shows increasing focus on integrated systems that combine multiple renewable energy sources, circular economy approaches to waste valorization, and community-scale energy solutions. The research spans fundamental process optimization to large-scale implementation studies. Dr. Al Afif leads and participates in multiple international projects focused on capacity building for sustainable energy use, including initiatives in the Gaza Strip and Uganda. His work combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to practical implementation and knowledge transfer to developing regions. His current research activities include developing maker-movement-inspired training courses on renewable energy, designing energy villages for rural communities, and optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems for electricity access in underserved regions. He maintains strong international collaborations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

• Renewable Energy
• Bioenergy
• Biogas Production
• +5 more

Walter Wenzel is a Full Professor of Soil Protection and Soil Management at the Institute of Soil Research, Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. With a career spanning over three decades at BOKU, he has established himself as a leading expert in soil science, particularly in soil carbon dynamics, phosphorus cycling, and remediation of contaminated sites. His research addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Prof. Wenzel's research interests focus on soil protection, soil management, plant nutrition, soil carbon sequestration, and remediation of contaminated sites. His work bridges fundamental soil science with practical applications for sustainable land management. He employs advanced analytical techniques including chemical imaging to study nutrient dynamics at microscale levels, particularly in the rhizosphere. His research has significant implications for climate change mitigation through soil carbon management and sustainable nutrient cycling in agricultural systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on soil health monitoring, particularly in Lower Austria, with emphasis on carbon sequestration potential, phosphorus dynamics, and the development of innovative analytical methods for studying soil processes. His work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques to visualize biogeochemical processes at microscale levels, providing new insights into nutrient availability and contaminant behavior in soils. Innovation Award Plant Nutrition, Groupe Roullier (2018) Two Elsevier Frequently Cited Author Awards for articles in Environmental Pollution (2010) Professor honoris causa, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague (2009) Co-memorial medal, 50th Anniversary of the Czech Agricultural University, Prague (2002) Soil Culture Prize of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (1993) Prof. Wenzel leads numerous research projects, primarily funded by Austrian federal and state governments, the European Commission, and the Austrian Science Fund. His current projects focus on soil health monitoring in Lower Austria, carbon sequestration potential, phosphorus dynamics, and the development of methods for plastic and microplastic detection in soils. He actively collaborates with multiple institutes within BOKU and international partners. His leadership extends to advising on European soil policy, as evidenced by his analysis of the European Commission's proposal for a Soil Health Directive.

• Soil science
• Soil protection
• Soil management
• +7 more