University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Simone Bachleitner is a Researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . Her work focuses on fungal genetics, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic engineering of yeast for organic acid production. She actively investigates chromatin structure's role in secondary metabolite gene expression in Fusarium species and develops engineered Komagataella phaffii strains for bio-based acid production from methanol. Her research bridges molecular biology, industrial biotechnology, and plant pathology. Recent publications highlight her contributions to: H3K27me3 epigenetic regulation in plant pathogens Mxr1/Mit1 transcriptional activation for lactic acid production Nonribosomal peptide synthetase cluster analysis in Fusarium Methanol-based itaconic acid bioprocess optimization She supervises graduate students and contributes to collaborative projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and European Commission.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Werner Fuchs is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He is based in Tulln an der Donau and is actively engaged in research and teaching in environmental biotechnology, with a focus on wastewater treatment, biogas, and resource recovery. His research interests center on sustainable environmental technologies, particularly anaerobic digestion, nutrient and energy recovery from waste streams, membrane bioreactor systems (including the MESH filtration process), syngas fermentation, biohydrogen production, and CO₂ sequestration using enzymatic methods. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with applied engineering for circular economy solutions. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward innovative bioconversion processes, including electro-fermentation, microbial electrolysis cells, artificial microbial consortia, and trickle-bed bioreactors for gas fermentation. These works reflect an interdisciplinary approach combining biotechnology, chemical engineering, and environmental science to address climate change and resource scarcity. Dr. Fuchs has led and participated in numerous research projects funded by the EU (e.g., ManureEcoMine, FABbiogas), FFG, and industry partners, focusing on biogas innovation, nutrient recovery, and waste valorization. He has supervised multiple master’s and doctoral theses, contributing to academic training in the field. He is actively involved in knowledge transfer, having authored popular science articles, technical reports, and delivered lectures at national and international conferences on topics such as biogas technology, digestate treatment, and membrane applications in water and wastewater management.
Dan Cristian Vodnar is a Professor and currently serves as Vice-rector for Research at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca (UASVM), Romania. He also holds multiple leadership positions including Member of the faculty council, Member of the University Senate, and Manager of the Technology Transfer Centre-Biotech. Additionally, he serves as a Bio-economy Expert for the European Commission in Brussels and Scientific Manager at BIOZOON GMBH, Germany. Professor Vodnar's research focuses on bacterial, fungal and microalga fermentative bioconversions in aerobic and anaerobic systems, food science, bioeconomy and food biotechnologies, molecular gastronomy, immobilization of enzymes and microorganisms, determination of bioactivity of natural extracts and chemically synthesized compounds, microencapsulated bioactive powders, in vitro gastrointestinal digestions, and developing innovative functional foods. His work bridges the gap between fundamental biochemical research and practical food applications, with emphasis on waste valorization and sustainable production methods. His publication record shows a strong focus on food biotechnology, bioactive compounds, and sustainable production methods. The articles demonstrate expertise in microencapsulation techniques, fermentation processes, and analysis of bioactive compounds in food systems. His research shows consistent progression from fundamental biochemical studies toward applied food technology solutions with commercial potential, particularly in the areas of functional foods and food waste valorization. Top 2% of scientists worldwide in Food Science (2020 and 2021) GOLD Medal at International Exhibition of Invention, Geneva, Switzerland (2017) JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) award in Scientific category (2018) Multiple GOLD Medals at PRO INVENT International Exhibition (2016-2020) Young Scientist Award from Vira International Foundation, India (2016) Danubius Young Scientist Award, Vienna, Austria (2014) Professor Vodnar has successfully led 19 major research projects totaling approximately 5.5 million EUR, including 5 international and 14 national grants. He has supervised 5 Postdocs, 9 Ph.D. students, and 22 Master's students, demonstrating strong commitment to academic mentoring. As Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, he contributes significantly to scholarly communication in his field. His work with the Technology Transfer Centre-Biotech demonstrates practical application of research findings to industry needs. Professor Vodnar leads the Technology Transfer Centre-Biotech at USAMV Cluj-Napoca and coordinates CDS 7 at the Life Sciences Institute. His research team focuses on translating laboratory findings into practical food technology applications, particularly in the areas of functional food development and food waste valorization. The team maintains strong connections with industry partners through the Technology Transfer Centre, ensuring research has real-world impact.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Dr. Thu Ha Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in Food Biotechnology at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She completed her doctorate at BOKU in 2006 and earned her habilitation in Food Biotechnology in 2018, becoming a private lecturer. Her research focuses on the enzymatic synthesis of prebiotics, particularly using bacterial β-galactosidases to produce galacto- and hetero-oligosaccharides from lactose and other substrates. Her research interests include: Food Biotechnology Genetic Engineering Enzyme Technology Prebiotic Synthesis Microbial Biotechnology Carbohydrate Bioengineering Dr. Nguyen's recent publications highlight her work on recombinant enzyme production in Lactobacillus and E. coli, immobilization techniques, and valorization of dairy byproducts like whey. Her studies often involve cloning, expression, and characterization of glycosidases from Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, with applications in functional foods and gut health. She has received the Elise Richter Fellowship from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) in 2016, a prestigious award supporting women in postdoctoral research. Her scientific contributions include numerous conference presentations across Europe, the US, and Asia. Dr. Nguyen has supervised university theses and contributed to knowledge transfer through lectures and outreach. She has not been listed as part-time, retired, or former staff, and remains an active academic at BOKU.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Sabine Frühauf is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She has been in this role since 2001 and is based at the IFA-Tulln research center. She holds a Doctorate in Biology from the University of Vienna, where she completed her studies between 1992 and 1994, and began her scientific career at Wood Research Austria from 1990 to 2001. Her research centers on environmental biotechnology with a strong emphasis on the sustainable valorization of organic waste streams. Key areas include microbial fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and the production of bio-based chemicals such as lactic acid and biopolymers from agricultural and municipal waste. She actively contributes to EU and nationally funded projects focused on circular economy and bio-based industry innovations. The trends in her publications reflect a long-standing commitment to bioprocess development for waste upcycling. Her work spans from fundamental metabolite identification in biocontrol agents to applied fermentation technologies using industrial and food-processing residues. She frequently employs advanced analytical techniques like LC-MS for characterizing bioactive compounds, particularly in the context of natural plant protection. No scientific awards are listed in the available information. However, her sustained involvement in major research projects indicates professional recognition and collaborative leadership. Sabine Frühauf has participated in numerous research projects, often as a key team member under principal investigators like Markus Neureiter and Andreas Loibner. These projects include EU initiatives such as SYMSITES and CARBIO, as well as national FFG-funded programs on bio-waste valorization and microbial fermentation. While no students are explicitly listed as supervised, her role in research projects suggests mentorship and team coordination. She is affiliated with the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, a research unit dedicated to developing biotechnological solutions for environmental challenges, particularly in waste management and sustainable resource use.
University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaAustria
Mara Heckmann is a researcher at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, specializing in bioavailability and cytoprotective plant compounds through the Research Center Wels. Her work bridges Food Technology, Nutrition, and Medical Engineering domains. Primary affiliation: Fachhochschule Oberösterreich (Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences) Research centers: Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition, TIMed Center Active projects until 2029 Research Focus: Heckmann's work centers on optimizing plant-derived compounds for health applications through: Bioavailability enhancement using natural matrices like spearmint Anti-inflammatory mechanisms via NF-κB pathway modulation Intestinal health improvement through microbiota-fermented extracts Epithelial barrier function protection against oxidative stress Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize Tormentic Acid derivatives , herbal fermentation , and high-content screening for dual-action compounds targeting oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Collaboration Network: Works with multiple co-investigators including Blank-Landeshammer, Weghuber, and Stadlbauer across interdisciplinary projects.
