Michael Harasek

Michael Harasek serves as an Associate Professor at TU Wien's Faculty of Technical Chemistry, leading research in the Department of Thermal Process Engineering and Simulation (E166-02). His work focuses on sustainable process engineering solutions through advanced simulation techniques and experimental validation.

His research spans multiple critical areas of modern chemical engineering including thermal process optimization, biorefinery systems, hydrogen production technologies, and membrane separation processes. Key focus areas include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications, carbon capture and utilization pathways, and sustainable bioprocessing for circular economy applications. His laboratory investigates both fundamental material properties and full-scale industrial process implementations.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on lignin valorization, biogas upgrading, and membrane-based separation technologies for biorefinery streams. His work demonstrates integration of experimental validation with advanced simulation techniques across multiple scales - from molecular characterization to full plant simulation.

As Principal Investigator, Harasek leads multiple COMET-funded research initiatives including the CHASE Center for Chemical Systems Engineering and the K1MET Competence Center. His research portfolio includes projects on Power-to-Gas technologies, biorefinery optimization, and innovative tunnel oven development.

Professor Harasek supervises numerous graduate students working on thesis projects related to hydrogen production, membrane technologies, biogas processing, and sustainable chemical engineering solutions. His research group maintains strong industry connections through collaborative projects with industrial partners in the energy and chemical sectors.