Volker Birke

Prof. Volker Birke is a Full Professor of Chemistry/Technical Chemistry at the Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Germany, since 2016. He has over 30 years of experience in environmental chemistry and remediation technologies, with a focus on groundwater and soil contamination. He teaches courses in general, physical, technical, and environmental chemistry for process and environmental engineers.

• Professor, Wismar University of Applied Sciences (2016–present)
• Extraordinary Professor, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences (2009–2016)

Research Interests: Specializing in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for groundwater pollution, mechanochemical dehalogenation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals. His work spans ex situ and in situ remediation technologies for chlorinated ethenes, PCBs, and chromite ore processing residues.

International Collaborations: Long-term research partnerships with University of Newcastle and CRC CARE Institute in Australia (since 2004), including student exchanges and joint FuE projects. Also collaborates with Indian Institute of Technology Delhi on groundwater remediation projects.

Grants & Projects: Coordinated Germany's large-scale R&D cluster RUBIN for PRB technologies (2006–2012). Currently supervises a DAAD-funded internship in Australia (2024) and a BMWi-funded FuE project (2023–2025) with German companies on wastewater treatment.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Chemistry and Environmental Analytics Laboratory in Malchow, Germany, focusing on innovative remediation methods. Has managed over 50 national and international remediation projects in USA, India, and Australia.