University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Henry Jäger is a Professor in Food Technology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) since 2014. Previously, he worked as a Project Manager at Nestlé (2012-2014) and Lecturer at TU Berlin (2012-2017), following his PhD/Postdoc at TU Berlin (2006-2012) and Diploma in Food Technology (2000-2006). His research focuses on electrotechnologies in food processing , particularly pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ohmic heating , for microbial inactivation, food preservation, and quality optimization. He explores applications in plant material processing , gluten-free baking , and novel food preservation methods . His work also addresses edible insect processing for allergenicity reduction and protein recovery. Recent publications (2025-2024) analyze synergies between PEF and ohmic heating, biofilm imitation systems for hygiene validation, and computational models for sterilization processes. These studies span food safety , sustainable processing , and functional food design . Henry Jäger actively contributes to scientific communities, serving on the EFFoST managing board , as scientific advisor for food conferences, and as reviewer for journals like Food Chemistry and Trends in Food Science & Technology . He has organized workshops on PEF applications and contributed to EU food technology initiatives.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Alois Jungbauer is a full Professor and Head of the Institute of Biochemical Engineering at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), within the Department für Biotechnologie und Lebensmittelwissenschaften. He is a leading expert in bioprocess engineering, with a focus on downstream processing, continuous manufacturing, and sustainable biopharmaceutical production. Doctorate, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Habilitation, 1991 His research interests center on advanced purification technologies for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, viral vectors, virus-like particles (VLPs), and gene therapy products. He is a pioneer in continuous integrated biomanufacturing, real-time process monitoring, and the development of platform processes for non-mAb proteins. His work integrates computational modeling, digital twins, and process intensification to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. He has made significant contributions to affinity chromatography, membrane adsorbers, and non-chromatographic separation methods. Recent publications highlight trends in continuous downstream processing, water conservation, in-situ buffer preparation, and the purification of complex biomolecules like secretory IgA and VLPs. His work spans both fundamental biophysical studies and industrial applications, reflecting a strong industry-academia interface. His scientific awards include: ISMR Thermo Fischer Award for Affinity Technologies (2011) Bia Separations Award (2000) Fulbright Award, Austrian-American Fulbright Commission (1996) Award of Japanese Society for Promotion of Science (1994) Golden Award 93 Professor Jungbauer actively supervises university theses and leads a dynamic research group. He has delivered numerous lectures and keynotes worldwide, indicating active engagement in knowledge transfer. His research is supported by ongoing projects and collaborations, with a strong emphasis on environmental and economic modeling of bioprocesses. He is affiliated with the Institute of Biochemical Engineering at BOKU, a hub for innovation in bioprocessing and industrial biotechnology.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Roland Ludwig is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He is also the current Senate Chairman at BOKU, demonstrating strong institutional leadership. His research is centered on enzyme technology, biocatalysis, biosensors, and electrochemistry, with a particular focus on oxidoreductases such as cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which are crucial in biomass degradation and bioenergy applications. His research interests span food biotechnology, enzyme technology, biocatalysis, biosensors, process engineering, electrochemistry, and nanobiotechnology. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of electron transfer in redox enzymes, their application in biosensors and biofuel cells, and their role in the depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass. His work integrates biochemical, electrochemical, and structural approaches to understand and engineer enzyme function. The recent publication trends highlight a strong focus on LPMOs and CDHs, with studies on their kinetics, substrate specificity, domain dynamics, electron transfer mechanisms, and engineering for improved stability and activity. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals such as ACS Catalysis and Bioelectrochemistry, reflecting the significance and innovation of his research in biocatalysis and bioelectrochemistry. International DropSens Award for Applied Electroanalytical Chemistry Medal of Honour, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb RIZ Genius Award for Innovative Sensor Technology Austrian APART Fellowship INiTS Award 2007 (Life Science) Förderpreis der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie Roland Ludwig actively supervises students and leads multiple externally funded research projects from FWF and EU, including grants focused on electron transfer in oxidoreductases and the kinetic analysis of oxidative biomass-degrading enzymes. He collaborates with international research groups and is a frequent speaker at major scientific conferences. His research contributes to sustainable bioprocesses, green chemistry, and the development of novel bio-based technologies. He is involved in research teams and collaborative projects such as the FWF-funded Doktoratskolleg "Biomolecular Technology of Proteins" and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives bridging food technology, biotechnology, and materials science. His lab focuses on enzyme characterization, protein engineering, and the development of bioelectrochemical devices.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Assoc. Prof. Dietmar Pum is a leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered work on S-layer proteins as nanobiotechnological tools and biomimetic surface functionalization. His research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and nanomaterials science. Education & Career Doctorate (1984) and Habilitation (1992) at Vienna University of Technology Awarded FEBS (1987) and EMBO (1982) fellowships Assoc. Univ. Prof. since 1997, Deputy Head of Biophysics Institute since 2014 Research Focus Dr. Pum's work centers on leveraging S-layer proteins for nanoscale fluid mechanics , molecular imprinting , and biohybrid materials . His projects explore: Self-assembly of 2D protein crystals Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Biomimetic sensor development Applications in diagnostics and environmental technology Publication Trends His recent publications (2025-2019) highlight interdisciplinary advancements in: Nanoscale biofluid dynamics Gold nanoparticle synthesis via microbial enzymes Archaeal S-layer characterization Protein-directed nanomaterials Biosensor platforms Lipid quantification via machine learning Scientific Recognition Philip Morris Research Prize (1998) Cardinal Innitzer Prize (1992) ÖAGM Prize (1986) Peer reviewer for Nature Materials , Advanced Materials , and Biophysical Journal Advising & Collaborations Dr. Pum has supervised over 15 theses, mentoring students in topics ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans imaging to nanomembrane fabrication. He leads international collaborations under EU Horizon and FWF grants, including the Stimuli Responsive Materials project (2020-2025). Labs & Networks As a core member of BOKU's Center for NanoBiotechnology and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology , he develops bioinspired nanomaterials and contributes to global programs in molecular self-assembly.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Lea Atanasova is a Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). She holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) and a Master’s degree (Mag. rer. nat.) and has extensive postdoctoral experience in fungal molecular biology and genomics. Her research is centered on mycoparasitic fungi such as Trichoderma and Clonostachys , with a focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes, signal transduction, gene expression, and ecological genomics. Her research interests span molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, mycology, and enzyme technology. She investigates the functional roles of genes and proteins in fungal biocontrol, nutrient acquisition, and host interactions. Her work integrates comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and functional proteomics to understand fungal evolution and ecological niches. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding fungal signaling pathways (e.g., TOR and MAPK), enzyme diversification (e.g., CDHs, pectate lyases), and the molecular mechanisms of mycoparasitism. Her work also extends to fungal secondary metabolites, host-microbe interactions, and advanced imaging techniques for protein localization. Scientific Awards: Carl Trygger scholarship for research at SLU (Uppsala, Sweden) GSA fungal meeting award, Genetics Society of America (Asilomar, CA, United States) FEMS Young Scientist Meeting Grant, Federation of European Microbiological Societies (Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain) Price Award for best Master-/Diploma research, Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GFÖ) (Bayreuth, Germany) Austria National Park Research Award, Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (Vienna, Austria) Ad Futura Special Achievements Fellowship for studies abroad, Slovene human resources development and scholarship fund (Ljubljana, Slovenia) Lea Atanasova has supervised several Master’s and Diploma theses on topics related to fungal biotechnology and enzymology. She leads an Austrian Science Fund (FWF)-funded project on GMC oxidoreductases in Clonostachys rosea . She is actively engaged in the scientific community, serving on editorial boards and as a guest editor. She has organized and chaired sessions at major conferences, including ECFG, and frequently presents her research internationally. She is a key member of the research community at BOKU, contributing to knowledge transfer through student supervision, editorial roles, and conference participation. Her work bridges fundamental fungal biology with applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
Harald Pichler is an Associate Professor and Team Leader at the Institute of Biotechnology (IMBT) at Graz University of Technology. His research focuses on membrane biology, enzyme engineering, and industrial biotechnology using yeast systems like Pichia pastoris . Key projects include engineering microbial membranes for protein secretion, optimizing biocatalysts for terpenoid synthesis, and studying lipid interactions with membrane proteins. Collaborations with companies like DSM and LONZA highlight industrial applications of his work. Research interests span microbial membrane modifications, sterol biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering for producing valuable metabolites. Major contributions include developing yeast strains for high-throughput screening of terpenoids and engineering hydratases for biocatalytic applications. His team also explores protein secretion pathways and membrane protein expression in yeasts, with patent filings for key genetic targets. Current projects involve lipid raft dynamics, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with membranes, and low-cost cell culture media alternatives. Collaborations with academic partners like the University of Geneva and Wageningen University emphasize interdisciplinary approaches. Publications frequently address membrane biophysics, enzyme mechanisms, and yeast strain engineering, reflecting a blend of fundamental and applied research.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Theresa Scharl-Hirsch is a Senior Scientist and Deputy Scientific Director at the Core Facility Bioinformatics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She holds concurrent appointments at the Institute of Statistics, BOKU, and has extensive experience in bioprocess modeling, machine learning, and statistical computing. Her work bridges biochemical engineering with advanced data science methodologies. Her research focuses on real-time monitoring of biopharmaceutical processes, clustering of high-dimensional data (particularly RNA sequencing), and application of explainable machine learning techniques. She has developed statistical models for process optimization and quality prediction in antibody capture and protein purification, with a strong emphasis on industrial implementations using R programming. Key trends in her publications include three-way data analysis, matrix-variate Gaussian mixture models, and permutation-based variable importance methods for deep learning architectures. Her work spans bioprocess engineering, bioinformatics, and industrial data science applications.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Simone Bachleitner is a Researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . Her work focuses on fungal genetics, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic engineering of yeast for organic acid production. She actively investigates chromatin structure's role in secondary metabolite gene expression in Fusarium species and develops engineered Komagataella phaffii strains for bio-based acid production from methanol. Her research bridges molecular biology, industrial biotechnology, and plant pathology. Recent publications highlight her contributions to: H3K27me3 epigenetic regulation in plant pathogens Mxr1/Mit1 transcriptional activation for lactic acid production Nonribosomal peptide synthetase cluster analysis in Fusarium Methanol-based itaconic acid bioprocess optimization She supervises graduate students and contributes to collaborative projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and European Commission.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Markus Neureiter is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research focuses on environmental biotechnology applications, particularly in bioprocess engineering, fermentation technologies, and waste valorization for sustainable chemical and biopolymer production. Key Research Areas: Bioprocess engineering, PHA production from agricultural and industrial waste, volatile fatty acid platform development, biorefinery processes, and renewable energy systems. Recent Trends: Publications emphasize pilot-scale biopolymer production, carbon source optimization, and integration of enzymatic pretreatment with microbial fermentation. Academic Awards & Community Services: Markus serves as a reviewer for journals including PLoS One , Metabolic Engineering , and Renewable Energy . He has organized conferences like the European Biotechnology Congress and contributed to EU-funded projects such as CAFIPLA and VOLATILE. Supervised Students: Guided 16 university theses (PhD and Master's) on topics like biopolymer synthesis, yeast cultivation, and waste-to-chemicals strategies.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Tim Causon is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. With a PhD from the University of Tasmania and habilitation in analytical chemistry, he has established himself as a leading expert in mass spectrometry and metabolomics applications. His research focuses on developing advanced analytical methods with particular emphasis on ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques and their applications in biotechnology and metabolomics. Dr. Causon's research interests center on method development for mass spectrometric analyses in metabolomics, particularly for biotechnology and bioprocess engineering applications. His work explores fundamental studies of molecular ions and analytical applications of ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS), with significant contributions to capillary electrophoresis, chromatography, and metabolomics. His laboratory develops innovative approaches for metabolite identification, structural characterization, and quantitative analysis, with applications spanning from bioproduction to environmental analysis. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advancing ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques, with particular attention to collision cross section measurements, metabolite identification, and method development for complex biological and environmental samples. His work spans fundamental studies of ion behavior to practical applications in biotechnology, food science, and environmental analysis. Scientific Awards: Fritz Feigl Award from the Austrian Society of Analytical Chemistry (2022) Dr. Causon has successfully secured substantial research funding through numerous projects, including the EU-funded MobiliTraIN: Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Training Network (2024-2028) and several industry collaborations. He has supervised multiple doctoral and master's students whose work focuses on analytical method development, metabolomics, and ion mobility applications. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations with both academic and industrial partners across Europe. As an active member of the scientific community, Dr. Causon organizes major conferences such as the IMS Symposium 2023 and serves on editorial boards and as a reviewer for leading analytical chemistry journals. His laboratory is well-equipped for advanced mass spectrometry research with multiple ion mobility-capable mass spectrometers and complementary analytical instrumentation.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Rainer Hahn is an Associate Professor in Biochemical Engineering at the Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He also serves as Head of the Downstream Processing Unit at the BioIndustrial Pilot Plant and is a key researcher at the Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB). His work is centered on bioprocess engineering with a strong focus on downstream processing and biopharmaceutical purification. University: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) School: Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences Department: Institute of Biochemical Engineering Role: Associate Professor, Head of Downstream Processing Unit His research interests span Bioprocess Engineering , Downstream Processing , Industrial Biotechnology , Pharmaceutical Technology , and Chemical Biology . He investigates advanced purification techniques, particularly in chromatography and protein separation processes. His recent work emphasizes multicomponent adsorption, protein A affinity systems, and purification of complex biomolecules like secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The trend in his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on protein purification , chromatographic modeling , and process optimization in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. His work integrates experimental analysis with mathematical modeling to improve efficiency and predictability in downstream operations, especially in multi-component systems. Topics such as continuous chromatography , pH transients , and affinity resin development reflect his leadership in advancing industrial bioprocessing. His notable scientific awards include: HOUSKA PRIZE (Recognition Award) - 2016 Dissertation Prize of the Austrian Society for Biotechnology - 2002 Rainer Hahn has been actively involved in numerous research projects funded by FWF, national enterprises, and private foundations, focusing on biopharmaceutical purification and process development. He mentors students and contributes to academic training through lectures and supervision. He is also a dedicated reviewer for leading journals such as Journal of Chromatography A , Biotechnology and Bioengineering , and Separation and Purification Technology . His work is closely tied to industrial applications, particularly in the development of scalable and efficient biomanufacturing processes. He is associated with the BioIndustrial Pilot Plant and collaborates with ACIB, contributing to innovation in industrial biotechnology. His research group focuses on developing robust downstream strategies for next-generation biopharmaceuticals.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Florian Csarman is a researcher at the Institute of Food Technology , within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . He holds a doctoral degree and is actively involved in research on biocatalysis, enzyme technology, and food biotechnology, focusing on lignocellulose-degrading enzymes such as lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs). His work integrates biochemical, biophysical, and molecular biology approaches to understand enzyme function and stability. His research interests center on biocatalysis , bioprocess engineering , and macromolecular chemistry , particularly in the context of oxidative enzymes involved in biomass conversion. He employs techniques such as ATR-FTIR, amperometry, SAXS, and recombinant expression to study enzyme kinetics, domain interactions, and catalytic mechanisms. His work has significant implications for sustainable biotechnology and bio-based product development. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in enzyme mechanism , structural characterization , and functional analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes. There is a consistent focus on understanding how LPMOs and CDHs interact with complex substrates, their stability under operational conditions, and their potential for industrial application. The interdisciplinary nature of the work spans biochemistry, structural biology, and applied biotechnology. Florian Csarman has served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals, including Microbiology Spectrum , Scientific Reports , Applied and Environmental Microbiology , and Cellulose , demonstrating active engagement in the scientific community. His collaborative research, often with Roland Ludwig and other international teams, underscores his role in advancing knowledge in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. He has contributed to EU-funded projects, such as the study on oxidative biomass-degrading enzymes, indicating involvement in grant-supported research. He completed his dissertation in 2022 titled Characterization and visualization of lignocellulolytic enzymes , reflecting a long-term commitment to enzyme research. His work is primarily conducted within the research environment of the Institute of Food Technology at BOKU, which provides advanced facilities for protein expression, purification, and functional analysis. There is no mention of formal advising roles, but his collaborative publications suggest mentorship and teamwork in a research-intensive setting.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Felix Schottroff is an Assistant Professor in Food Technology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), affiliated with the Institute of Food Technology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences. He also holds a Tenure Track Professorship in Integral Food Processing at TU Berlin since 2023, reflecting his growing academic leadership. His research is centered on innovative food processing technologies, particularly pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ohmic heating, with applications in food safety, preservation, and sustainable production. His research interests include food process engineering, sterile process technology, bioprocess engineering, microbiology, and thermal and non-thermal food processing methods. He investigates the mechanistic effects of electric fields on microbial inactivation and cellular processes, aiming to improve efficiency in food and fermentation systems. His work bridges engineering principles with food science to develop scalable, energy-efficient, and high-quality food processing solutions. The recent articles highlight a strong focus on electrotechnologies such as PEF and ohmic heating, with applications in sterilization, baking, fermentation, and protein extraction. Trends include process modeling (CFD), scale-up strategies, and integration of these technologies into sustainable and precision food production systems. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial relevance. BOKU Anerkennungspreis für außergewöhnliche Leistungen in der Lehre (2022) Best Presentation Award, 4th World Congress on Electroporation (2022) Food Engineering Award, EFCE (2021) Hygienic Study Award, EHEDG (2021) Charles R. Stumbo Award (2019, 2020) PhD Student of the Year, EFFoST (2020) MSc Student of the Year, EFFoST (2016) Felix Schottroff has been actively involved in numerous research projects funded by FFG and industry partners, focusing on food safety, alternative proteins, and sustainable processing. He mentors students and collaborates widely across Europe. He serves as a reviewer for over 20 scientific journals and holds leadership roles in Young EFFoST (Chair), EHEDG, and ISEBTT. He previously led the BOKU Core Facilities (2021–2023), demonstrating organizational and technical leadership. He is involved in several labs and research initiatives, particularly those related to food processing, electrotechnologies, and core facilities at BOKU. His work is supported by national and international collaborations, including with TU Berlin, University of Alberta, and Ohio State University.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Werner Fuchs is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He is based in Tulln an der Donau and is actively engaged in research and teaching in environmental biotechnology, with a focus on wastewater treatment, biogas, and resource recovery. His research interests center on sustainable environmental technologies, particularly anaerobic digestion, nutrient and energy recovery from waste streams, membrane bioreactor systems (including the MESH filtration process), syngas fermentation, biohydrogen production, and CO₂ sequestration using enzymatic methods. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with applied engineering for circular economy solutions. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward innovative bioconversion processes, including electro-fermentation, microbial electrolysis cells, artificial microbial consortia, and trickle-bed bioreactors for gas fermentation. These works reflect an interdisciplinary approach combining biotechnology, chemical engineering, and environmental science to address climate change and resource scarcity. Dr. Fuchs has led and participated in numerous research projects funded by the EU (e.g., ManureEcoMine, FABbiogas), FFG, and industry partners, focusing on biogas innovation, nutrient recovery, and waste valorization. He has supervised multiple master’s and doctoral theses, contributing to academic training in the field. He is actively involved in knowledge transfer, having authored popular science articles, technical reports, and delivered lectures at national and international conferences on topics such as biogas technology, digestate treatment, and membrane applications in water and wastewater management.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Birgit Wiltschi is a researcher at the Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . Her work focuses on protein engineering, non-canonical amino acid incorporation, and bioprocess optimization for therapeutic and industrial applications. Academic Affiliation : BOKU, Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering Research Themes : Protein functionalization, bioorthogonal chemistry, enzyme engineering, synthetic biology, and bioproduction systems Recent publication trends highlight her expertise in: Site-specific non-canonical amino acid incorporation Chemoselective protein modification techniques Development of "clickable" therapeutic proteins Lectin engineering for biomedical applications Optimization of microbial bioproduction systems Doctoral Thesis Supervision : Hanaee A: Development of methods for in vitro quantification of proteolysis in E. coli systems (2024)
