Michael Gaenzle

Michael Gaenzle is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, affiliated with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. He holds a Dr. rer. nat. from the University of Hohenheim and a Dr. rer. nat. habil. from Technische Universität München. His research focuses on food microbiology, probiotics, and lactic acid bacteria, with emphasis on their application in food fermentation, prebiotic development, and intestinal health. He is a Canada Research Chair (Tier I), Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2021–2024), and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Research Interests:

• Functional characterization of lactic acid bacteria
• Oligosaccharide production and biological activities
• Non-thermal food preservation methods
• Intestinal microbiome modulation via dietary fibers

Publications highlight advancements in lactic acid bacteria genomics, fermented food classification (Periodic Table of Fermented Foods), and probiotic mechanisms. He teaches courses on food microbiology, cereal processing, and scientific communication. Graduate training emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and international conference participation.

Awards:

• Canada Research Chair (Tier I)
• Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2021–2024)
• Royal Society of Canada Fellowship