Kai Sundmacher

Prof. Kai Sundmacher is a Full Professor and Chair of Process Systems Engineering at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems. His expertise spans model-based analysis of complex process systems, integrated chemical processes, energy conversion (fuel cells/electrolysis), and biosystems engineering. He holds a Dr.-Ing. habil. from Clausthal University of Technology and has held visiting positions at institutions worldwide.

Research focuses include catalyst design for CO2 methanation, digital twins for power-to-X processes, and sustainable chemical production. Awards include the Arnold Eucken Prize (1999) and Carl Zerbe Prize (1998). He leads initiatives like the Max Planck Research Network for Synthetic Biology and chairs the German Chemical Energy Research group.

Teaching covers advanced process systems engineering, fuel cell technology, and bioprocess design. Over 500 publications include 400 peer-reviewed articles, with contributions to journals like Chemical Engineering Science and Fuel Cells. Active in academic service, he reviews ERC grants, chairs selection committees, and advises the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.