Reinhard Wimmer is a Professor at Aalborg University's Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, affiliated with The Faculty of Engineering and Science and the Medical Biotechnology Center for Microbial Communities. His research focuses on NMR spectroscopy, protein structure analysis, and bioprocess engineering. He leads projects such as SEAMARK (Horizon Europe) and collaborates on initiatives like INNO-H2S for H2S scavenger recovery. Education: No explicit details provided Key research interests include antimicrobial peptides, metabolomics, and biodegradable polymer processing. Recent work addresses PET waste depolymerization and calmodulin dynamics. Active in interdisciplinary projects combining biotechnology with environmental engineering. His 217+ publications span NMR-based metabolomics, enzyme engineering, and microbial metabolite analysis. Awards and grants include funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Horizon Europe.
Torben Anker Lenau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His work focuses on biomimetic design, sustainable engineering, and innovative material applications. He leads research projects addressing multi-functional problem-solving, renewable energy systems, and eco-design principles. His expertise contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable cities, clean energy, and responsible consumption. Key research interests include biomimicry in product development, lifecycle assessment, and bio-inspired materials. Notable projects include kinetic energy harvesting for wildlife tracking and bio-inspired medical devices. He has published extensively on topics like prototyping strategies, material selection, and biomimetic self-healing systems. Projects: Integrated Design (1999–present), Processed Material Selection (1996–present), CAD/CAM Prototyping (1996–present) Contributions: Over 100 publications, 27 projects, and patents in medical and energy sectors His work emphasizes translating biological principles into engineering solutions for sustainability challenges. Collaborations span academia and industry, with a focus on global impact through innovative design methodologies.
Heidi Birch is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where she conducts research on the fate and exposure of organic chemicals in aquatic environments. Her work focuses on biodegradation kinetics and the persistence of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) and complex mixtures such as UVCBs, particularly in stormwater and produced water systems. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (2008–2012) MSc in Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (2001–2007) Her research lies at the intersection of environmental chemistry, toxicology, and engineering, with strong emphasis on understanding the environmental fate of micropollutants. She employs advanced techniques such as passive dosing and non-target analysis to study chemical persistence and biodegradation under realistic environmental conditions. Her expertise contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and environmental protection. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on biodegradation testing methodologies, particularly for complex and hydrophobic substances. Trends include the development of modified biodegradability tests, assessment of mixture effects, and ecotoxicity profiling of industrial discharges. Her work spans both freshwater and marine environments, with applications in urban stormwater and offshore oil production. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards listed in the provided text. Heidi Birch actively supervises multiple PhD students and contributes to significant research projects related to chemical persistence and biochar pollutants. She has participated in key scientific conferences as a speaker and guest lecturer, demonstrating active engagement in the environmental research community. While no specific grants are named, her involvement in funded PhD projects indicates access to competitive research funding. Her research is conducted within collaborative teams at DTU, particularly with Professor Philipp Mayer’s group, focusing on environmental exposure and risk assessment of emerging contaminants. The work integrates laboratory experimentation with real-world environmental monitoring, aiming to inform regulatory frameworks and sustainable chemical management.
Caio de Oliveira Gorgulho Silva is a Research Fellow at the Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology , part of the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His work focuses on enzyme biotechnology, particularly polyphenol oxidases and their role in lignin biodegradation and biomass valorization. He actively supervises PhD students in computational studies of glycosyltransferases and polyphenol oxidases, contributing to advanced research in enzyme mechanisms and applications. Research Focus: Enzyme structure-function relationships Key Areas: Lignin biotechnology, fungal interactomics Scientific Collaborations: His projects highlight collaborations across Denmark and internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to enzyme engineering and sustainable bioprocessing. Current work includes unspecific peroxygenases' oxidative activity towards lignin and computational studies of enzyme families.
Virender Kumar is a Researcher at the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience within the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University, Denmark. His work is centered in the Section of Bioresources and Process Engineering, where he conducts research at the intersection of environmental chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable materials. Dr. Kumar's research interests focus on bioresources engineering and process development for environmental applications. His work spans enzyme technology for plastic waste depolymerization, sustainable synthesis of bio-based chemicals, and development of lignin-based materials for environmental remediation. His fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Microorganism research (100%), Escherichia coli (78%), Depolymerization (64%), Cytotoxicity (64%), Cutinase (42%), PET Waste (42%), Bioprocess (42%), and Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (42%). His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward sustainable solutions for plastic waste management and green chemical synthesis. The research shows increasing focus on enzymatic depolymerization of PET waste using cutinase, environmentally friendly synthesis of furan derivatives, and development of lignin-based adsorbents for wastewater treatment. Several of his 2025 publications represent significant advances in bioprocess engineering for circular economy applications. Dr. Kumar actively collaborates with researchers across Europe, particularly with C. Varrone and R. Wimmer, as evidenced by multiple co-authored publications. His work has garnered citations and downloads across various platforms, indicating growing recognition in his field.
Michael Vedel Wegener Kofoed is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, specializing in biomethanation and CO2 utilization technologies. He also serves as a Project Director, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of chemical engineering and biotechnology. His research interests include biogas process optimization, bio-integrated carbon capture systems, and renewable energy integration. Key areas of focus are methane production pathways, thermophilic microbial reactors, and emission mitigation strategies for industrial and agricultural processes. Recent work explores biomethanation reactor design, flue gas CO2 valorization, and bio-inspired materials for sustainable electronics. He actively disseminates findings through lectures on topics like PtX (Power-to-X) technologies and green gas production scaling. Notable contributions include studies on hydrogen sulfide emission patterns in biogas plants and surfactant-based methane mitigation in livestock facilities. His research frequently addresses challenges in scaling bio-based processes for industrial applications.
Philipp Mayer is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he leads research in applied environmental chemistry. His work focuses on the fate, exposure, and effects of organic contaminants, particularly through innovative methods like equilibrium sampling and passive dosing for hydrophobic chemicals. He is actively involved in multiple research projects and accepts PhD students. Research Interests: His research spans environmental organic and analytical chemistry, with a focus on hydrophobic organic chemicals, biodegradation kinetics, mixture toxicity, chemical activity, and the development of novel analytical platforms. He has pioneered methods to measure freely dissolved concentrations in sediments and to improve environmental toxicity testing. The most recent articles reflect a strong trend in advancing analytical and testing methodologies for complex environmental pollutants, especially in the context of biodegradation, persistence, and bioaccumulation of hydrophobic and aromatic compounds. His work increasingly integrates real-world environmental relevance by testing chemicals in mixtures at low concentrations. Scientific Contributions and Recognition: Convenor of ISO working group 'toxicity to aquatic plants' (TC147/SC5/WG5) Member of the Danish Council for Independent Research in Technology and Production Sciences (2012–2018) Supervised over 40 GLP environmental toxicity studies Author of over 250 publications, including 175 in peer-reviewed journals Advising and Grants: Prof. Mayer is the main supervisor for several active PhD projects, including those on biodegradation kinetics, pollutant persistence in biochar, and chemical mixtures. His research is supported by national and international collaborations, with projects funded through academic and environmental policy frameworks. Labs and Teams: He leads a research group focused on environmental contamination and chemicals at DTU, contributing to the university’s sustainability mission. His team collaborates extensively with institutions across Europe and beyond, particularly in the context of SETAC and ISO standardization efforts.
Mario Martinez-Martinez is an Associate Professor and Sapere Aude Research Leader at Aarhus University's Department of Food Science and CiFOOD. His research explores the structure-function relationships of food biopolymers, their interactions with plant metabolites, and sustainable processing technologies. Key initiatives include twin-screw extrusion for anisotropic food structuring, rhamnogalacturonan valorization from waste, and biocomposite development. He received the Nils Foss Talent Prize (2021) and leads projects on polyphenol bioaccessibility and single-cell protein production. Recent publications investigate starch acetylation, pectin extraction, and plant-based meat analogues. His work bridges biopolymer science with environmental sustainability.
Evamaria Petersen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials and Production , The Faculty of Engineering and Science , Aalborg University , Denmark. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Graz University of Technology and is actively engaged in research at the intersection of biochemistry, materials science, and sustainable biotechnology. Education: PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Graz University of Technology (Awarded: December 1, 1995) Her research focuses on protein and enzyme engineering , particularly in designing biocatalysts for the degradation of synthetic polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate. Her recent work includes the de novo design of hydrolases and the biochemical characterization of cutinases with plastic-degrading capabilities. These efforts are highly relevant to environmental sustainability and plastic waste recycling. Analysis of her latest publications (2022–2024) reveals a strong trend in plastic biodegradation , enzyme engineering , and structural characterization using techniques like NMR and spectroscopy. Scientific Recognition and Outreach: Her research has received significant media coverage in Danish outlets (e.g., Forskere har udviklet et enzym der kan nedbryde plastik ) and international attention, including mentions in policy sources and science blogs. She actively participates in public engagement, such as the Girls' Day in Science AAU 2022 event. Dr. Petersen has been involved in multiple research projects, including Recombinant proteins by filamentous fungi , Lipase research , and Refinement of raw Fish-oil , often collaborating with researchers like S. B. Petersen and P. Fojan. She is affiliated with a research network focused on materials, mechanics, and bioscience, and her work appears in journals such as Biochemistry , Protein Engineering, Design and Selection , and Journal of Physical Chemistry B . There is no mention of formal student advising or specific grants in the provided text. Laboratory and Collaborative Work: Her research is conducted within a collaborative environment involving protein characterization, enzyme kinetics, and structural analysis, likely supported by core facilities at Aalborg University. She collaborates extensively within the university and appears to be part of a larger research group working on bio-inspired materials and sustainable solutions.
Henning Wienkenjohann is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering within the College of Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His work focuses on integrating subsurface energy systems with contaminant remediation, particularly at the intersection of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) and bioremediation technologies. He maintains active collaborations with researchers across Europe and contributes to national environmental initiatives through the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. His research interests center on bioremediation of chlorinated solvents , PFAS transport in complex hydrogeological settings , and reactive transport modeling of contaminant degradation processes. Key methodologies include microcosm experiments, isotope fractionation analysis, and multi-scale modeling from pore to field scale. Current projects investigate thermal-biological interactions in low-temperature ATES systems and the fate of emerging contaminants in glacial sediments. Dr. Wienkenjohann has led significant research through the completed BiodegrATES project (2020-2024), which examined biodegradation mechanisms during ATES operations. His publication record demonstrates expertise in coupling thermal energy storage with in situ remediation, with recent work emphasizing practical field-scale applications. He actively disseminates findings through conference presentations at major venues including EGU General Assembly and specialized hydrogeology workshops. His laboratory work involves advanced experimental setups for studying contaminant transport and degradation under controlled thermal conditions. Current research directions include developing computational tools for PFAS fate prediction ( PFASen ) and investigating scale effects in isotope fractionation for improved plume characterization. He collaborates closely with the Danish Environmental Protection Agency on national groundwater contamination issues.
Massimo Rolle is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he conducts research at the intersection of hydrogeochemistry, contaminant transport, and reactive modeling in subsurface systems. His work addresses critical environmental challenges related to groundwater contamination and sustainable remediation technologies. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Department: Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering Research Focus: Subsurface processes, reactive transport, biogeochemical modeling, isotope fractionation, and engineered remediation His research interests center on understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes governing contaminant fate in aquifers. He combines high-resolution laboratory experiments with advanced numerical modeling to investigate mixing dynamics, reactive transport of pollutants, electrokinetic phenomena, and natural attenuation mechanisms. A key aspect of his work involves the interpretation of isotopic signatures to track degradation pathways of organic contaminants. The recent publication trends highlight a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches integrating environmental engineering, geochemistry, and sustainable energy systems. His studies frequently explore the coupling of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) with bioremediation, electrokinetic techniques for contaminant removal, and gas exchange processes in unsaturated zones. The integration of experimental data with model-based interpretation across scales—from pore to field—is a hallmark of his scientific contributions. Dr. Rolle actively supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects focused on innovative remediation strategies. Notable projects include BiodegrATES (biodegradation meets ATES), transport of PFAS in porous media, and electrokinetic applications in low-permeability zones. These projects reflect a commitment to developing sustainable, science-based solutions for contaminated site management. Scientific contributions and collaborations are extensive, with over 166 publications and active engagement in international research networks. While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, his sustained scholarly output and leadership in key environmental research domains underscore significant recognition in the field. He is involved in several research teams and laboratories at DTU Sustain, where experimental and modeling work on subsurface systems is conducted. These teams focus on reactive transport, biogeochemical processes, and sustainable remediation technologies. Collaborations span across Europe and North America, particularly in projects involving field-scale validation and multi-phase transport phenomena.
Jesper Holck is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, specializing in enzyme technology and carbohydrate chemistry. His work focuses on carbohydrate-active enzymes, glycosylation, and microbiome interactions, with applications in prebiotics, marine biotechnology, and industrial waste valorization. Current affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Academic role: Researcher (Senior Researcher title) Research interests include: Enzymatic degradation of complex carbohydrates (fucoidan, pectin, arabinoxylan) Engineering enzymes for human milk oligosaccharide synthesis Microbiota-immune interplay with bioactive sugar beet components Marine enzyme applications for sustainable bioprocessing Structural characterization of glycoside hydrolases Development of enzymatic methods for lignocellulosic biomass utilization Recent publications highlight his expertise in: Enzyme-catalyzed production of immunologically active oligosaccharides Functional diversity in CAZy families (GH20, GH29, GH119) Microbial degradation pathways for pectin and mucin Enzyme-assisted extraction from citrus and sugar beet byproducts Protein engineering for improved transglycosylation Structural studies of novel biocatalysts Scientific supervision includes: Main supervisor for PhD projects on legume innovation (N2CROP) and citrus pectin valorization Co-supervisor for research on carbohydrate processing enzymes and gut microbiota interactions
Peter Westh is a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark, specializing in protein chemistry and enzyme technology. His research focuses on interfacial enzymology, particularly the degradation of complex substrates like cellulose, starch, and synthetic polymers (e.g., PET and polyurethane). He leads projects addressing sustainable recycling strategies and carbon capture technologies, emphasizing enzyme-based solutions. Roles: Professor, Research Supervisor Affiliations: Technical University of Denmark, Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Research interests include understanding enzyme-substrate interactions, optimizing biocatalytic processes for industrial applications, and advancing sustainable chemistry. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and responsible consumption. Recent articles explore cellulase limitations, enzymatic CO2 capture systems, and standardization of PET hydrolase research. His projects involve developing enzyme-mediated recycling techniques and studying the kinetic mechanisms of polyurethane degradation. He supervises multiple PhD students, including those focusing on wired enzyme immobilization for CO2 conversion and structural enzymology of polyurethanases. Collaborations span academia and industry, aiming to translate fundamental enzymology into practical environmental solutions. Labs/Teams: Involved in interfacial enzyme research groups, particularly those investigating biocatalytic plastic degradation and carbon capture technologies.
Wolfgang Stelte is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, CHEC Research Centre at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). With expertise in biomass conversion, bioenergy, and biomaterials, he contributes significantly to sustainable energy research and development. His work spans fundamental research on binding mechanisms in fuel pellets to practical industrial applications in biomass processing. Dr. Stelte's research focuses on biomass densification, torrefaction, pyrolysis, and biofuel production from various feedstocks including agricultural residues, wood, and coir fibers. His work has important implications for sustainable energy production, waste valorization, and circular economy principles. He has published extensively on topics ranging from fundamental binding mechanisms in biomass pellets to practical guidelines for industrial biomass processing. Stelte's publication record shows a strong focus on biomass pelletization and conversion technologies, with recent work expanding into coir fiber applications, university-industry collaboration models, and safety aspects of biochar handling. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental understanding to practical implementation of biomass conversion technologies. DTU Young Research Award (2012) As a supervisor and project manager, Stelte has guided multiple PhD students and managed research projects focused on biomass conversion, biochar applications, and innovation collaborations with small and medium enterprises. His external positions at the Danish Technological Institute and USDA demonstrate his ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications. His work significantly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, demonstrating the practical impact of his research on global sustainability challenges.
Jens Preben Morth is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), affiliated with the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine and the Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology. He is part of the DTU Structural Biology Core and the DTU Microbes Initiative. His research focuses on structural enzymology, enzyme mechanisms, and biocatalysis with applications in biotechnology and environmental science. Key research areas include enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides, polyurethanes, and other polymers; structural characterization of membrane proteins such as magnesium transporters; and functional studies of glycoside hydrolases. Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing topics like sustainable recycling and microbial pathogenesis. He supervises PhD students in projects involving carbohydrate-active enzymes, polyurethanases, and protein-lipid interactions. Recent publications highlight work on sialidases, amidases, and the structural basis of enzymatic mechanisms. Morth’s lab employs advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics simulations, and biochemical assays. He is actively involved in training the next generation of scientists, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of biochemistry, structural biology, and environmental engineering.
