Benjamin Korth

Dr. Benjamin Korth is a Scientist and Team Leader of the 'Thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms' group at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ (Department of Microbial Biotechnology). He serves as Speaker for the Platform Project 'ElectroBiorefineries and Biosyntheses' and is a Member of the Scientific and Technical Council. His academic background includes a PhD in Biochemistry (summa cum laude) from the UFZ and studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.

Dr. Korth's research focuses on electroactive microorganisms, extracellular electron transfer, and related natural and biotechnological processes, with special emphasis on thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals. He applies bio(electro)calorimetric, modeling, and electrochemical approaches to decipher energy harvest principles of electrogenic and electrotrophic microorganisms. His work aims to improve the energy efficiency of microbial electrochemical technologies through comprehensive understanding of energy fluxes during extracellular electron transfer.

Analysis of Dr. Korth's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on bioelectrochemical systems for environmental applications. His research spans multiple domains including wastewater treatment, bioremediation of pollutants (nitrate, arsenite, phenol, sulfate), microbial electrosynthesis, and fundamental studies of electroactive biofilms. Key trends include investigating the thermodynamics of microbial electron transfer processes, optimizing reactor configurations (fixed-bed, biotrickling filters, flow systems), and characterizing microbial communities in electrochemical environments. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical engineering applications for sustainable technology development.

• Helmholtz-PhD award 2017, Research Area Energy
• Best Oral Presentation Award EU-ISMET 2016
• Abstract Award & Best Oral Presentation Award ISMET 2015

Dr. Korth actively supervises students for internships, bachelor's, and master's theses in microbiology and electrobiotechnology, with current topics focusing on isolation of electroactive microorganisms, microbial fuel cell design, and cultivation of model organisms like Geobacter sulfurreducens. He has secured significant third-party funding for projects including SmartManure (UFZ-wide PhD college, 2024-2027), BISON (Biohybrid Solar Energy Collector, 2024-2026), and BENEFIT (bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment, 2024-2025). His science communication efforts have been recognized with multiple Science Slam awards, demonstrating his commitment to public engagement.

Dr. Korth leads the research team focused on the thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms within the Electrobiotechnology research group at UFZ. His laboratory work combines electrochemical approaches with microbial physiology studies to understand the fundamental energy conversion processes in microbial electrochemical systems. The team collaborates extensively with other research groups at UFZ and international partners, including research stays at the University of Girona and Technical University of Delft.