Caroline Bachlechner

Caroline Bachlechner is a PhD student and Research Associate at the Institute of Food Technology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research focuses on food technology, microbiology, and quality assurance, with particular emphasis on biofilm research and cleaning validation systems in the food industry.

Her research interests center on developing biofilm imitation systems for cleaning validation in food processing environments. She investigates the rheological and tribological properties of biofilms to understand cleaning efficacy and develop rapid control systems. Her work bridges food science, microbiology, and engineering to address critical hygiene challenges in food production facilities.

Ms. Bachlechner's publications and presentations demonstrate a strong focus on biofilm characterization and the development of validation methods for cleaning processes. Her research contributes to improving food safety standards through innovative approaches to monitoring and verifying cleaning effectiveness in industrial settings.

• Best Poster Award (14th International Congress on Engineering and Food (ICEF14))

Ms. Bachlechner has presented her research at numerous international conferences including the EHEDG World Congress, Food Science and Technology conferences, and specialized events on biofilm research. She is actively involved in the Austrian Society of Rheology, serving on organization committees for annual conferences.

Her current projects focus on simulation-based biofilm imitation tests for cleanability verification and developing rapid cleaning control systems for the food industry, funded by both national companies and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).