Andreas Zitek

Andreas Zitek is a researcher at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry within the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He holds a PhD in natural and technical sciences and has been active in interdisciplinary research since the late 1990s, combining analytical chemistry, aquatic ecology, and digital education. His current work focuses on food authenticity, isotopic fingerprinting, fish migration, and innovative teaching methods using virtual and augmented reality.

His research interests span a broad range of fields, including analytical chemistry, food chemistry, spectroscopy, isotopic analysis, fish ecology, limnology, hydrobiology, and digital education. He has pioneered the use of advanced analytical techniques such as LA-ICP-MS, NIR spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and metabolomics for applications in environmental monitoring, food traceability, and sustainability. His work integrates geoinformatics and GIS methods for spatial decision support in river restoration and environmental management.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward food authenticity and safety, utilizing handheld spectrometers, isotopic analysis, and non-targeted metabolomics for rapid assessment of food quality and origin. There is also a consistent focus on fish ecology, using otolith chemistry and elemental fingerprinting to study migration and environmental exposure. Additionally, a significant body of work is dedicated to transforming higher education through virtual reality, e-learning, and AI, emphasizing inclusion and innovative pedagogy.

Scientific Awards:

• Schwanninger Preis BOKU für qualitativ hochwertige Lehr- und Lernmaterialien & didakt. sinnv. Einsatz: Virtuelle Exkursionen am Institut für Bodenforschung (2021)
• Nomination for Ars Docendi 2021, Eintrag in Atlas der guten Lehre: “Mediated Modelling for Sustainability” und „Virtuelle Exkursionen am Inst. für Bodenforschung“ (2021)
• Two Best Abstract/Best Poster Prices at the 2nd International MoniQa Symposium 'Food Fraud Prevention and Effective Food Allergen Management', Vienna (2018)
• Poster price at EWCPS 2015 for contribution to plasma spectrochemistry (2015)
• Ferry Starmühlner Preis des Haus des Meeres in Wien (2009)
• 3. Österreichischer Nationalpark Forschungspreis for PhD dissertation (2008)

Andreas Zitek has supervised numerous theses, including 2 co-supervised PhD theses, 36 co-supervised diploma and master theses, and 2 BAK theses. He has been involved in various research projects, including leadership roles at FFoQSI and the VIRIS lab. He has also contributed to citizen science initiatives such as IsoPROTECT and CSI:TRACE your FOOD!, promoting public engagement in food authenticity research. His work in digital education includes the development of virtual classrooms, e-learning platforms, and innovative teaching modules using Google Apps and Moodle.

He is actively involved in knowledge transfer, presenting at conferences worldwide and engaging in media outreach. He has led workshops on creative scientific writing, e-learning, and effectuation in entrepreneurship education. His interdisciplinary approach bridges natural sciences, technology, and pedagogy, contributing to both scientific advancement and educational innovation.