Katalin Barta

Katalin Barta is a Full Professor leading the Sustainable Catalysis unit at the Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz. Her research focuses on transitioning from fossil-dependent industries to renewable resource-based systems through sustainable catalysis and green chemistry principles. She develops integrated biorefinery schemes and zero-waste pathways for converting biomass and waste streams into valuable bio-based products.

Her research interests center on:

• Catalytic valorization of lignocellulosic biomass via 'lignin-first' strategies
• Design of circular bioeconomy solutions for waste streams
• Development of bio-based surfactants and polymers
• Creation of sustainable chemical processes with minimized environmental impact

Barta directs major research initiatives including the PureSurf project, which develops green surfactants from industrial waste streams and aims to establish a spin-off company. She has supervised PhD students including Dr. Anastasiia Afanasenko.

Honors and recognitions:

• Multiple European Research Council grants (Starting, Proof of Concept, Consolidator)
• ACS Sustainable Chemistry Lectureship Award
• President of EuChemS Green and Sustainable Chemistry Division
• Editor-in-Chief of ChemSusChem
• Elected member of Young Academy of Europe