معرفی
Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski is a leading academic at the University of Hohenheim, serving as Professor and Head of the Renewable Resources in the Bioeconomy Department within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of Crop Science. She also holds the strategic position of Chief Bioeconomy Officer (CBO) at the university and is the spokesperson for the European Bioeconomy University (EBU). Her extensive leadership extends to national and regional policy, where she co-chairs the Bioeconomy Council of the German Federal Government and the Advisory Board for Sustainable Bioeconomy of the Baden-Württemberg State Government.
Her research is centered on the sustainable development of the bioeconomy, with a primary focus on perennial bioenergy crops, particularly miscanthus. Her work investigates crop performance on marginal lands, optimal agronomic practices, and the environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation. She is a pioneer in the field of agrophotovoltaics, studying the integration of solar energy production with crop cultivation. Her research interests also encompass nutrient cycling and the development of recycled fertilizers, perennial cropping systems for biodiversity and soil health, and the socio-economic assessment of bio-based value chains. Her approach is highly interdisciplinary, combining field trials, modeling, and life cycle assessments.
The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend towards creating holistic, sustainable solutions for the future bioeconomy. Her work consistently addresses the challenges of climate change adaptation, land-use competition, and resource efficiency. Key themes include the valorization of marginal lands, the integration of food and energy production systems, and the closing of nutrient loops through circular economy principles. She frequently collaborates on large, multi-institutional projects across Europe.
- Co-Chair, Bioeconomy Council of the German Federal Government (2021–2023)
- Co-Chair, Advisory Board 'Sustainable Bioeconomy' of the Baden-Württemberg State Government (since 2020)
- Spokesperson, European Bioeconomy University (EBU) (since 2018)
- Chief Bioeconomy Officer, University of Hohenheim (since 2018)
- Member, Bavarian Bioeconomy Advisory Council (SVB) (2015–2020)
Prof. Lewandowski has been a key advisor and mentor, leading the International Master's Program in 'Bioeconomy' and the Master's program in 'Renewable Resources and Bioenergy'. She has been instrumental in securing and managing numerous high-profile research projects such as GRACE, MAGIC, Miscomar, and ABBEE. Her research is conducted within a large, collaborative team at the Institute of Crop Science, focusing on biobased resources in the bioeconomy, and she has established strong international partnerships.
