Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar is a Senior Research Fellow at Tallinn University of Technology's Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on interdisciplinary studies combining biology and materials science, particularly engineering living materials, biotechnology, and biomaterials. He holds a PhD from Kyushu Institute of Technology (2010) and a Master's from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (2003).

• Current Position: Senior Research Fellow, Tallinn University of Technology
• Prior Roles: Research Fellow at University of Tartu (2017–2020), Postdoc at Chalmers University (2010–2013)

Research interests include metabolic engineering, 3D-printed living materials, yeast physiology, and systems biology. Key projects include leading the development of 3D-printable cell factories funded by the Estonian Research Council (PRG1101 grant).

• Notable Work: Improving fermentation via 3D-printed materials, yeast-based biopolymer production, and stress responses in microorganisms.

Publications span 20+ peer-reviewed articles, focusing on metabolic control, cellular phenotypes in confined environments, and engineered hydrogels. Awards include the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation Award (2012) and Umera Scholarship (2008).

• Grants: €1.3M for 3D-printable cell factories (2021–2025)

Supervised multiple graduate students, including work on vitamin C production and yeast nutrient evaluations. Active in conferences like ELM 2022 and ICSB, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in biotechnology and materials science.