Stephanie Stute

Professor Stephanie Stute is a faculty member at Nuremberg University of Technology, where she serves as Head of the Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory since October 2015. She holds the academic rank of Professor in the Department of Bioprocess Engineering within the College of Engineering, teaching courses including Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Microbiology, and Bioprocess Engineering for both Bachelor's and Master's programs in Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

Her research focuses on bioprocesses for the circular economy, bio-based plastics, bioleaching, and valuable materials from microalgae. Dr. Stute has established herself as a leading researcher in sustainable biopolymer production, particularly polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and microalgal biotechnology. Her work bridges fundamental research with industrial applications, emphasizing waste valorization and resource efficiency in bioprocess engineering.

Professor Stute's publication record demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental algal biotechnology research toward applied bioprocess engineering for sustainable materials. Her early work focused on photobiological hydrogen production and genetic engineering in microalgae like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, while more recent publications emphasize industrial applications of biopolymers, particularly PHB production from waste streams. This evolution reflects her commitment to translating basic research into circular economy solutions.

Dr. Stute leads multiple third-party funded research projects including Carbon4Bac (using CO₂ for bacterial processes), ValPolyReStrö (continuous PHB production from industrial waste), and BioPolyKon. She serves on the Bavarian Bioeconomy Advisory Council (since 2021) and the DECHEMA Algal Biotechnology Division advisory board (since 2013), demonstrating her leadership in the field.

Her laboratory focuses on developing sustainable bioprocesses that convert waste streams into valuable bioproducts, with particular expertise in continuous fermentation systems for biopolymer production. Professor Stute's team collaborates with industrial partners to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications in the bioeconomy.