Khurram Tahir

Dr. Khurram Tahir is a Scientist in the Department of Microbial Biotechnology (MIBITECH) at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany, where he has been active since March 2025. His research is centered on developing sustainable microbial technologies for environmental protection and resource recovery.

• PhD in Environmental and Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea (2017–2021)
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University, Pakistan (2014–2016)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University, Pakistan (2009–2013)

Dr. Tahir's research focuses on microbial electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemical systems for the degradation of persistent pollutants such as pharmaceuticals (e.g., metformin, carbamazepine) and perfluorinated compounds (e.g., PFOA). He explores the use of advanced nanomaterials—including MXenes, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and metal oxide composites—to modify electrodes and enhance the performance of microbial fuel and electrosynthesis cells. His work aims to couple environmental remediation with the production of valuable chemicals like volatile fatty acids, contributing to the circular bioeconomy.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in integrating material science with microbial biotechnology to improve electron transfer, substrate degradation efficiency, and product selectivity in bioelectrochemical systems. He has led numerous high-impact studies published in journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, Chemosphere, and Science of The Total Environment.

Scientific awards include:

• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023–2025)

Dr. Tahir has collaborated extensively with research groups in South Korea and Portugal, particularly during his postdoctoral tenure at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. His work does not explicitly mention student advising or grant leadership in the provided text, but his role as a leading author on multiple publications suggests independent research leadership. He is affiliated with the Systems Biotechnology working group at UFZ, contributing to the broader mission of sustainable ecotechnologies and tapping into nature’s potential for solving environmental challenges.