Orlando Rojas is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Wood Science. He leads the Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat) research group and directs the Bioproducts Institute . His research focuses on sustainable development through renewable materials, including nanopolysaccharides, bacterial nanocellulose, lignins, and multiphase systems. Rojas has advised over 50 PhD students and 40+ MS students, with a h-index of 90 (Google Scholar). Key Roles/Positions : Canada Excellence Research Chair in Renewable Materials Adjunct Professor at NC State University (USA) and Dalian Polytechnic University (China) Director of FinnCERES Flagship (Finland) Research Interests : Development of bio-based materials for energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. Key areas include nanocellulose functionalization, lignin valorization, and bioinspired materials. His work integrates colloidal science, multiphase systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Grants & Awards : ERC Advanced Grant and Horizon H2020 funding 2013 ACS Fellow, 2015 Tappi Nanotechnology Award First Latin-American recipient of the Anselme Payen Award (ACS) Labs & Collaborations : Active partnerships with Aalto University (Finland) and institutions globally. Leads the BiCMat group spanning UBC and FinnCERES, focusing on bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.
Liqiu Hu is a Doctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University. Their research focuses on bio-based materials , polymerization techniques , and nanocellulose applications , contributing to Sustainable Development Goals like responsible consumption and climate action. Key research areas: Lignin, Nanocellulose, Polymerization, Bio-based films, Green chemistry, Biocomposites Recent work trends: In-situ polymerization, Pickering emulsions, Drug delivery systems, Agricultural waste upcycling, Aqueous dispersion processing Collaborations include researchers from Åbo Akademi University and TAPPI Press. Publications span from 2017 to 2025, highlighting innovations in biopolymer interfaces and sustainable packaging . The laboratory's fingerprint indicates strong alignment with lignin (100%), nanocellulose (75%), and polymerization (66%) research.
Thomas Schnabel is a Research Group Leader and Senior Researcher in Design and Green Engineering at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, where he heads the Green Materials and Processing research group and leads the Salzburg Center for Smart Materials 2.0 initiative. His work bridges academic research with practical industrial applications in sustainable materials science. His research focuses on: Valorization of wood byproducts, particularly tree bark extracts for multiple applications Development of natural fiber insulation materials from recycled wood residues Life cycle assessment of sustainable material production processes Application of bioactive compounds from bark for biomedical uses Green chemistry approaches to material processing and purification Dr. Schnabel's publication record shows a cohesive research trajectory focused on extracting maximum value from wood processing byproducts. His recent articles demonstrate increasing sophistication in characterizing bark extracts and developing practical applications across construction, biomedical fields, and sustainable manufacturing. The research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and industry innovation. He leads multiple significant research initiatives including: NETTLE: Cross-border cooperation for alpine plant bioactive compounds (2024-2026) DRWO4.0: Danube Region Wood Industry Transformation toward Industry 4.0 (2024-2025) SCSM 2.0: Salzburg Center for Smart Materials 2.0 (2023-2026) User-centered teaching materials development in forestry and bioeconomy (2023-2026) His collaborative network spans the Danube region and beyond, reflecting the international significance of his work in advancing sustainable materials science and engineering practices.
Andrey Pranovich is a faculty member at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, where he leads the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology focused on "Technologies for a sustainable future." His research spans multiple areas of wood chemistry, biomass utilization, and sustainable materials development. Dr. Pranovich's research interests center around natural materials, particularly focusing on: Lignin chemistry and applications Wood polysaccharides (especially xylan) Biomass fractionation and biorefinery processes Sustainable materials development Wood chemistry and characterization Nanocellulose and nanomaterials from biomass His recent publication record demonstrates significant contributions to the field of sustainable biomaterials, with particular emphasis on lignin-carbohydrate complexes, xylan-based hydrogels, and biobased materials for industrial applications. His work shows a strong trend toward developing environmentally friendly alternatives for industrial products while maximizing the utilization of biomass components. Notable scientific contributions include: Development of lignin-based CO2 capture materials Innovative extraction methods for wood components using green solvents Creation of xylan-based hydrogels for drug delivery applications Sustainable alternatives for road marking paints Advanced characterization of lignin-carbohydrate complexes Dr. Pranovich's research aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable production and consumption, climate action, and responsible resource management. His work bridges fundamental wood chemistry with practical applications in materials science and environmental sustainability.
Lucia Zappalà is a Full Professor of General and Applied Entomology at the University of Catania's Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) since 2020. She serves as University Delegate for International Relations since 2019 and President of the European University Alliance EUNICE since 2024. Her research focuses on Hymenoptera parasitoids, integrated pest management (IPM), and pesticide effects on natural enemies. She is a member of the Italian Entomological Society's Agricultural Entomology section and the Italian National Academy of Entomology. PhD in Agricultural Entomology (University of Naples Federico II, 2001) Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Florida (2003) University of Catania faculty since 2006 Visiting professor at UC Berkeley (2015) Her research spans biological control agent discovery, pesticide risk assessment, and invasive pest management across Mediterranean agroecosystems. She has published over 300 indexed articles (h-index 37) on parasitoid-pest interactions and sustainable control strategies. Recent work examines botanical extract compatibility with natural enemies and essential oil-based plant defenses . She contributes to Phytoparasitica and European Journal of Entomology editorial boards. Scientific awards include a 2003 postdoctoral fellowship. She has served as Principal Investigator for national (FIR, PRIN) and international (FP7, ARIMNET 2) projects, and contributes to EFSA's Plant Health Panel. Her laboratory (Biocontrol Lab, Di3A) conducts applied entomology research on invasive Hemiptera and quarantine pest evaluations .
Juan Valle Delgado is a Lecturer in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University, where he focuses on nanotechnology, biomaterials, and interfacial science. His research explores sustainable materials derived from biopolymers like cellulose and lignin, with applications in biomedicine, green chemistry, and advanced composites. Research Interests: Dr. Delgado's work spans atomic force microscopy, nanocellulose functionalization, colloidal systems, and surface chemistry. Key themes include: Design of lignin nanoparticles for drug delivery and 3D bioprinting Cellulose nanofibril hydrogels for biomedical applications Interfacial interactions in bio-based composites Surface modification techniques for sustainable materials His recent publications (2019–2023) demonstrate a strong emphasis on biomaterial interfaces , with recurring studies on cellulose-lignin systems, nanoparticle synthesis, and cell-biomaterial interactions. Collaborative projects frequently involve tissue engineering, cancer research, and green nanotechnology. Dr. Delgado collaborates extensively with the Bioproduct Chemistry research group, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to develop functional materials from renewable resources.
Roberto Juan Aguado Garcia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical, Agricultural Engineering and Agri-Food Technology at the University of Girona (UdG), where he joined in 2021 under a fixed-term visiting professor contract. He is affiliated with the Sustainable Materials and Product Design Laboratory Research Group. His academic training includes a Chemical Engineering degree from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2013), a master's degree (2015), and a PhD from Universidad Pablo de Olavide (2018) with an award-winning thesis on cellulose cationization. Research Interests: His research focuses on the functionalization of cellulose and polysaccharides, with applications in paper technology, sustainable materials, and green chemistry. He explores innovative uses of fluorescent polymers, cyclodextrins, and lignocellulosic materials for developing smart, biodegradable, and high-performance materials. His work bridges chemical engineering with agricultural and environmental applications. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2018–2023) reflect a strong trend in sustainable material design, particularly in modifying cellulose for enhanced functionality in packaging, papermaking, and sensing. The integration of cyclodextrins and fluorescent polymers highlights a multidisciplinary approach combining chemistry, materials science, and engineering for circular economy solutions. Scientific Awards: Extraordinary Doctorate Award (2020) Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, his research has been supported by multiple grants, including two COST Action grants (2014, 2015) and scientific missions to Universidade de Coimbra and CICECO – Universidade de Aveiro. He held a postdoctoral fellowship (2018–2021) under the INPACTUS project, involving collaboration with four Portuguese universities and private paper industry companies. Labs and Teams: He is an active member of the Sustainable Materials and Product Design Laboratory Research Group at UdG, contributing to interdisciplinary research on eco-friendly materials and processes.
Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Mid Sweden University's School of Natural Science, Design and Sustainable Development. With over 25 years of research experience, he specializes in boreal forest ecology, deadwood dynamics, and biodiversity conservation. His work focuses on wood-inhabiting fungi , lichen communities , and forest fragmentation effects , particularly in northern Sweden's high conservation value forests . Jonsson has been pivotal in developing green infrastructure models and climate-adaptive forestry strategies . Key research themes: forest conservation, fungal ecology, climate change mitigation, deadwood management Research tools: presence-absence sampling, Bayesian modeling, long-term ecological monitoring Policy contributions: EU Biodiversity Strategy evaluations, IPBES initiatives His recent publications (2025-2020) demonstrate sustained expertise in forest carbon dynamics , saproxylic community analysis , and landscape-scale conservation . Jonsson frequently collaborates with international researchers on temperate and boreal forest biodiversity , with notable work on functional ecology and ecosystem service trade-offs . Current projects include 'Climate - collaborative learning initiative' and 'Functional green infrastructure in boreal forests' . Scientific contributions span multiple systematic reviews in environmental management, including Forest Ecology and Management and Environmental Research Letters . He has co-authored Cambridge University Press 's Biodiversity in Dead Wood and contributed to IPBES policy frameworks. Jonsson's research integrates empirical forest monitoring with theoretical ecological modeling , particularly in wood decomposition processes and fungal community dynamics .
David Auty is an Associate Professor and Executive Director in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University. His research focuses on wood properties, forest management practices, and innovative applications of LiDAR technology in forestry. He leads projects investigating the impact of environmental factors on tree physiology, wood quality, and forest dynamics. Notable contributions include developing the sgsR toolbox for LiDAR-based forest inventories and studying radial profiles of specific gravity in conifers. His work bridges ecological and engineering disciplines, addressing challenges in sustainable forestry and climate resilience. Collaborations include international studies on wildfire impacts, carbon modeling, and wood mechanics. David actively contributes to datasets on tree growth dynamics and has authored over 45 scholarly works, emphasizing practical solutions for forest management and conservation. Key Focus Areas: Forest Management, Wood Quality, Remote Sensing, Climate Adaptation Tools & Innovations: sgsR LiDAR Toolbox, Acoustic Wood Testing, Stand Dynamics Models Collaborations: Global networks studying boreal forests, wildfire impacts, and conifer physiology David’s research highlights the interplay between ecological processes and industrial forestry needs, with implications for bioenergy, carbon sequestration, and resilient forest systems.
Yuan Zeng is an Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, jointly affiliated with the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center. His work spans research, extension, and teaching, with a focus on plant disease management in field crops across Virginia’s Piedmont region. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology/Microbiology, Auburn University, 2017 M.S. in Probability and Statistics, Auburn University, 2017 M.S. in Forest Health, Auburn University, 2012 B.S. in Forest Resources Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 2008 B.S. minor in Computer Science, Beijing Forestry University, 2007 Dr. Zeng's research focuses on plant disease epidemiology , host-microbe-microbiome interactions , and the autonomous identification of plant diseases using robotics and UAVs. His interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, data science, and field experimentation to improve crop health and sustainability. His extension efforts support field-crop growers through disease diagnostics, fungicide trials, and educational outreach in integrated pest management. The recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in plant-microbe interactions , disease forecasting , and microbiome dynamics , particularly in potato and field crops. His early work also includes significant contributions to entomology and insect immunity , showcasing a broad scientific foundation. Scientific Awards: Professional Development and Travel Award, Colorado State University, 2021 International Graduate Student Showcase, ESA, 2016 Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Auburn University, 2015 Graduate Student Dissertation Fellowship, Auburn University, 2015 ALEPSCoR GRSP Fellowship, 2014 Second Place, ESA President’s Prize, 2014 James Floyd Googan’s Endowed Fellowship, 2014 Outstanding M.S. Student, Auburn University, 2012 The Drummond Fellowship, 2012 National Scholarship, China Ministry of Education, 2007 Dr. Zeng is actively involved in mentoring and advising students through research and teaching, including co-instructing PPWS 6004: Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science . He has secured research funding through competitive fellowships and institutional support. His work bridges fundamental science with practical agricultural applications. He leads field trials, develops disease models, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance disease resilience in crops. His lab integrates molecular tools with environmental sensing and data analytics. Laboratories and Research Teams: Dr. Zeng leads a research program at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where he collaborates with extension agents, crop specialists, and growers. His team focuses on field-crop pathology, microbiome studies, and sensor-based disease detection, working closely with interdisciplinary partners across Virginia Tech and regional agricultural communities.
Luísa Seuanes Serafim is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro. Her research focuses on bioprocess engineering, waste valorization, and sustainable chemistry. She holds a PhD in Biological Engineering from the New University of Lisbon (2004) and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Lisbon (1997). Education: PhD in Biological Engineering, New University of Lisbon (2004) BSc in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology), Technical University of Lisbon (1997) Research Interests: Production of biopolymers via mixed/pure cultures Anaerobic digestion for volatile fatty acid production Bioethanol synthesis from industrial waste Bacterial cellulose production from diverse substrates Bioremediation via microbial biosurfactants Circular economy strategies for agro-industrial residues Research Contributions: Her work bridges biochemical engineering and environmental sustainability, particularly in transforming waste streams into valuable products like bioethanol, PHAs, and bacterial cellulose. Recent studies emphasize ionic liquid-based separation systems and marine sediment-derived microorganisms for biosurfactant production. Collaborations: Active partnerships with institutions like CICECO, CESAM (University of Aveiro), and international collaborators such as IRSA-CNR (Italy) and AnoxKaldnes (Sweden). Academic Roles: Vice-Director of the BSc in Biotechnology program and Erasmus Coordinator for Biotechnology at University of Aveiro. Teaches Biochemical Engineering and Applied Biotechnology courses. Current Projects: Leading the InsectERA project to develop insect-based circular economy solutions and advancing bioethanol production from spent frying oil and coffee waste.
Tapani Vuorinen serves as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable utilization of forest biomass, particularly wood chemistry and bark valorization, with strong cross-disciplinary collaborations through the CHEMARTS program connecting chemical engineering and design disciplines. His research interests center on wood chemistry , lignin valorization , and bark biorefining , with significant contributions to circular economy applications. Key areas include developing natural dyes from kraft lignin for textiles, creating water treatment coagulants from willow bark extracts, and engineering cellulose nanofibrils for advanced materials. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical applications in sustainable fashion, water treatment, and biomaterials. Professor Vuorinen's scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous awards including the Marcus Wallenberg Prize, Suomen valkoisen ruusun ritarimerkki, and TAPPI Research Committee Best Paper Award. His recent projects have garnered student awards such as the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars 2022 for waste valorization initiatives. He actively leads research in sustainable materials development through the CHEMARTS initiative, with notable outputs including the 'Magnificent Materials' book and 'Designs for a Cooler Planet' exhibition. His work demonstrates consistent funding support for bark biorefining projects and cross-disciplinary collaborations between chemical engineering and design fields, particularly in developing circular solutions from forest biomass waste streams.
Fahriye ERCAN is a Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University , specializing in Entomology and Animal Systematics . She has been with the university since 2023, previously serving as an Associate Professor in the same faculty from 2018 to 2023, and as Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture from 2015 to 2018. Before that, she was a Research Assistant at Erciyes University's Science Faculty from 2004 to 2009. Doctorate in Biology from Erciyes University, Institute of Science (2004-2009) MSc in Biology (Thesis) from Erciyes University, Institute of Science (2002-2004) BA in Biology Program from Erciyes University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1998-2002) Her research focuses on: Molecular identification of insect pests and parasitoids Biochemical and molecular interactions in biocontrol agents Plant extracts and their impact on insect models Toxicological and antioxidant enzyme responses in insects Molecular mechanisms of natural compounds in cancer models She has extensive experience in scientific projects , with 15 projects led or participated in, including studies on Trichogramma parasitoids, Hypericum perforatum effects, and Bolanthus turcicus extract applications. Her scientific impact includes 241 citations, with an h-index of 9 (UNIS), 7 (WoS), 8 (Scopus), and 10 (Google Scholar). Her recent scientific publications cover molecular entomology, toxicological effects of plant extracts, and computational modeling of drug interactions. She has also published book chapters on biocontrol and plant-based insecticidal effects. She has received recognition, including the 2007 Best Presentation Award from the European Society for New Methods in Agricultural Research. She has been involved in graduate mentoring , advising several Master's theses, including those of Ülkü Yıldız Kızıl, Elif Özlem Torun, Başak Yapıcı, Şerif Yasin Köksal, Fatma Kübra Ata, Melih Şentürk, and Tuğba Kaya Baran. She teaches courses in Entomology , Molecular Diagnostic Methods in Taxonomy , and Advanced Molecular Techniques at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Miljenko Klarić is an Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Wood Technology. He holds a PhD and has been conducting postdoctoral research since 2015. His professional experience spans academia and industry, including roles as an assistant (2011–2015), technologist, chief engineer, and Safety at Work Manager in the wood industry. He teaches courses in wood materials production process design and communicates in Croatian and English. Dr. Klarić's research focuses on thermo-hydro-mechanical wood processing, wood color changes during treatment, and wood modification technologies. His work integrates sustainability, material science, and industrial applications, addressing topics like FSC certification impacts, heat treatment effects, and additive manufacturing in furniture design. He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings since 2013, emphasizing process optimization, occupational safety, and wood-based material innovation. His articles highlight trends in sustainable manufacturing, with recent emphasis on hybrid decision-making models for process optimization and environmental impacts of wood treatments. He actively participates in international conferences and collaborates on projects addressing Croatian wood industry challenges, including quality management systems and FSC compliance. Education: PhD in Wood Technology (postdoctoral studies ongoing since 2015) Key Contributions: Over 30 publications, development of Hygrocalculator tools, and industry partnerships for safety and quality assurance Labs/Teams: Involved with the Institute of Wood Science and Institute for Materials Technology at the Faculty
Stefan Veigel is a Researcher at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Resources within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences (2012) and a master’s in Wood Technology & Management (2008), he specializes in wood technology , biocomposites , and sustainable materials , focusing on nanocellulose, lignocellulosic composites, and bio-based adhesives. His research explores advanced processing techniques for agricultural residues like wheat straw and oil palm trunks to create high-performance materials. He has led projects such as Cellulose-Gewebe für faserverstärkte Holzverbundwerkstoffe (2018–2022) and contributed to WOOD - Transition to a sustainable bioeconomy (2023–2026). His work spans biorefinery , nanotechnology in wood science , and green manufacturing . Stefan has authored 46 publications, including 15 recent articles on cellulose nanofibrils , binderless boards , and sustainable insulation materials . He has received awards like the RIZ Genius Idea Prize (2012) and INiTS Award (2009). He supervises 17 theses , including studies on nanocellulose-modified adhesives and lightweight cellulosic panels , and collaborates with institutions in Austria and globally. Scientific Awards RIZ Genius Idea Prize (2012) Innovation Award (2011) INiTS Award (2009)
