Matthias Kleinke

Professor Matthias Kleinke is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Life Sciences. Appointed in 2011, he served as Dean of the Faculty from 2013 to 2017 and was recently appointed Adjunct Professor at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania in 2025. His career spans academic, research, and practical industry experience in environmental management.

Professor Kleinke's research interests focus on environmental engineering, waste management, biomass utilization, and circular economy principles. His work consistently emphasizes practical applications and implementation-oriented solutions, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world environmental challenges. He has supervised numerous theses across three main areas: Environment, Agriculture, and Safety, with students working on topics ranging from waste management optimization to renewable energy systems and workplace safety.

His publication record shows a strong focus on contemporary environmental challenges, with recent work examining nutrient circularity, urban waste valorization, bioeconomy transitions, and sustainable agricultural technologies. The most recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate ongoing research activity in circular economy applications, particularly in food systems and waste management.

Professor Kleinke maintains extensive international collaborations, having taught as a visiting lecturer in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe. His work demonstrates a commitment to both regional environmental challenges in Germany and global sustainability issues, particularly through his growing engagement with African institutions and researchers.

His advising approach emphasizes practical, industry-relevant research, with students frequently working on projects connected to real companies and environmental challenges. This applied focus creates valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful environmental solutions.