Markus Holzner

Markus Holzner is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and River Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research focuses on environmental fluid dynamics, with emphasis on turbulence, particle transport, and biomedical applications. Previously, he led the Environmental Fluid Mechanics group at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL (2019-2023) and held an SNSF Professorship at ETH Zurich (2013-2019).

He received his education in Environmental Engineering (MSc, University of Trento) and a PhD from ETH Zurich. His research integrates experimental and computational approaches to study:

• Turbulent flows in natural and engineered systems
• Microplastics transport in aquatic environments
• Cardiovascular fluid mechanics and medical device design
• Novel drag-reduction technologies using magnetic fluids

Analysis of recent publications reveals strong emphasis on:

• Advanced experimental techniques (3D printing, particle tracking)
• Multiscale modeling of fluid-particle interactions
• Environmental applications (oil spill remediation, microplastic dynamics)
• Interdisciplinary work spanning biomechanics, materials science, and climate impacts

Scientific awards include:

• SNSF Professorship (2013)
• EU Marie-Curie Fellowship (2009)
• ETH Medal (2007)
• European Leonardo Da Vinci Award (2007)

He has supervised 10 doctoral students and 11 postdocs, with current projects funded by international institutions:

• Flow-structure interaction in non-Newtonian fluids (2023-2026)
• Ferrofluid applications for drag reduction in medical stents (2022-2026)

He leads a research group at BOKU's RiverLab facility focusing on experimental hydraulics and environmental flows.