Stephan Hilpmann

Stephan Hilpmann is a Research Scientist at the Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), specializing in actinide chemistry and environmental radiochemistry. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Technical University Dresden (2023) and has been a Research Associate at HZDR since 2019.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Technical University Dresden (2023)
• Master in Chemistry, Technical University Dresden (2018)
• Bachelor in Chemistry, Technical University Dresden (2016)

Hilpmann's research focuses on the interactions of radionuclides with mineral surfaces and microorganisms, particularly uranium and other actinides. His work addresses key challenges in nuclear waste management and environmental remediation. He investigates sorption processes, microbial reduction of radionuclides, and the thermodynamics of actinide systems. This research is critical for understanding the long-term safety of nuclear repositories.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in biogeochemical processes involving radionuclides, with a focus on microbial interactions and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The work spans from fundamental studies of actinide speciation to applied research on nuclear waste disposal.

Scientific awards include:

• Ph.D. Prize of the Research Field Energy of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HGF) 2024
• Doctoral Prize of the GDCh Nuclear Chemistry Division 2024

Hilpmann has co-supervised three Master's theses at Technical University Dresden and other institutions. His research is supported by multiple projects, including KuRSiv (BMUV), Helmholtz European Partnering CROSSING (HGF), SurfBio EU project (Horizon 2020), and iCross (BMBF/HGF), focusing on nuclear waste repository integrity and surface biology.

He works within the Actinide Thermodynamics group at HZDR's Institute of Resource Ecology, utilizing advanced facilities for radiochemical and microbiological research.