Amelia-Elena Rotaru

Amelia-Elena Rotaru is a Professor in Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Southern Denmark, with a distinguished career in microbiology and interspecies interactions. Her research spans extracellular electron transfer, syntrophy, and microbial electrosynthesis, supported by over €9 million in funding since 2013.

• Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2009)
• M.Sc. in Marine Microbiology (2005)

Her work explores how methanogens and other microbes exchange electrons in marine and constructed environments, with breakthroughs in biofuel production and methane cycling. Recent studies investigate Fe⁰ corrosion, seaweed metabolite utilization, and synthetic adaptations in methanogens.

Scientific Awards:

• EliteForsk Prize (2024)
• European Research Council Consolidator Awardee (2022)
• Novo Nordisk Ascending Investigator (2021)
• Sapere Aude Research Leader (2015)
• Fyens Stiftstindendes Forskerpris (2016)
• MARMIC Teaching Award (2006)
• Excellence Fellowship, University of Bucharest (1998)

She has led projects like MIMET (ERC Consolidator) and Renewable Energy (Novo Nordisk Foundation), and delivered 54 activities including conference keynotes and guest lectures.