Prof. Dr. Mahmut Altınbaş is an Associate Professor at Istanbul Technical University , Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering. His career spans 25+ years in academic and administrative roles. PhD in Environmental Engineering (2003) Master’s in Environmental Engineering (2000) BSc in Environmental Engineering (1997) Recent research focuses on: Microalgae-based biorefinery systems for lipid and metabolite production Greenhouse gas reduction through hybrid microbial fuel cells and anaerobic digestion Industrial effluent treatment using reactor technologies and chemical oxygen demand management Sustainable campus models for food waste valorization His 15 most recent publications (2023–2025) span biochemical engineering , environmental biotechnology , and sustainable energy systems , with methodology diversity in liquid-liquid extraction , GIS spatial analysis , and microalgae physiology .
Joana Alves is a researcher at the University of Minho’s Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB-UM), specializing in anaerobic microbiology and bioprocess engineering. She holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2013) from the University of Minho and a Biology degree (2005) from the University of Porto. Her research focuses on syngas fermentation, microbial conversion of gaseous substrates, and anaerobic bioreactors. She leads the INNOVsyn project (2018–present) and has supervised multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Alves has published over 23 peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to scientific dissemination, serving on conference organizing committees and as a journal reviewer. She also teaches courses on environmental biotechnology and pollution control. Education: PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Minho (2013) Bachelor’s in Biology, University of Porto (2005) Research Interests: Her work combines microbiology with engineering to develop sustainable bioprocesses for gas fermentation and waste valorization. Key areas include: Thermophilic anaerobic communities Syngas conversion to biofuels Anaerobic bioreactor optimization Carboxydotrophic bacteria Prebiotic production from microbial systems Awards & Recognition: 2021: Pedagogic Merit Diploma, University of Minho 2007: Best Poster Award, 11th IWA World Congress Grants & Projects: INNOVsyn (2018–present): Innovative syngas fermentation strategies Move2LowC (2022–present): Bio-based fuels development Labs & Teams: She leads the BRIDGE group’s research activities and contributes to the CEB’s broader microbial engineering initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Marcus Andreas Horn is a full Professor of Soil Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. He leads a research group focused on microbial ecology in natural and engineered systems, with significant contributions to understanding greenhouse gas metabolism, bioremediation, and microbial interactions in soil environments. His work integrates molecular, microbiological, and biochemical techniques to study microbial community dynamics and their ecological and biotechnological implications. Research Interests: His research spans several critical areas in environmental microbiology, including the microbial ecology of greenhouse gases (nitrous oxide and methane), biotechnological applications such as microbial production of biodegradable plastics, bioremediation of pollutants and microplastics, and interactions between microorganisms and macroorganisms like earthworms. His group employs advanced methods such as high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomics, and stable isotope probing to identify key microbial players and metabolic pathways. The most recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend in soil microbial processes related to climate change, pollution, and sustainability. Key themes include denitrification in agricultural soils, methane cycling in peatlands and paddy fields, microbial degradation of plastics, and the impact of microbial activity on environmental monitoring. These works highlight an interdisciplinary approach combining ecology, biogeochemistry, and molecular microbiology. Leadership and Service: Chair of the Examination Board, MSc Molecular Microbiology Representative of Professors, Faculty Council, Faculty of Natural Sciences Member, Admissions Board for MSc Molecular Microbiology Advising and Grants: While specific student names and grant details are not listed in the provided texts, Prof. Horn leads an active research group and likely supervises Master’s and PhD students in microbiology and environmental sciences. His extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of research funding, though specific grants are not mentioned. Laboratory and Research Group: The Horn group at Leibniz University Hannover investigates microbial community regulation and physiology using cutting-edge molecular and analytical tools. The lab focuses on both fundamental microbial ecology and applied biotechnological solutions, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.
Elīna Dāce is a Guest Researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Riga Stradiņš University, and Senior Researcher at the Baltic Studies Centre and University of Latvia. Her work bridges environmental engineering and industrial biotechnology, focusing on circular economy systems, food waste valorization, and climate policy. SDG Contributions: Education, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology Key Collaborations: Latvian Council of Science, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Research Highlights: Developing computational models for waste management policy impacts Leading EU-wide assessments of food industry by-products Innovating hybrid living materials for greenhouse gas capture Scientific Recognition: 2022 Honorary Award from State Audit Office of Latvia Leadership Roles: Work Package Leader for LivMat and REPLACER projects Project Leader for food waste methodology development
María José Ranilla García is a Professor at the University of León , affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary and the Animal Production Department . Her career spans over two decades in ruminant nutrition research, with a focus on ruminal fermentation dynamics, fibrolytic enzyme applications, and methane mitigation strategies. Education: Doctoral degree (1996) from the University of León with a thesis on Comparative studies of ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics in sheep: Interraacial variations . Research Interests : Dr. Ranilla's work centers on optimizing ruminant nutrition through biotechnology, particularly examining how exogenous enzymes, organic acids, and plant-derived compounds affect digestive efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, and methane emissions. She also investigates the physiological impacts of feed additives on rumen function, salivary production, and metabolic parameters in livestock. Publication Trends : Her most recent studies (2017–2009) emphasize in vitro fermentation techniques, enzyme supplementation for tropical forages, and the use of phytogenic compounds to modulate ruminal activity. Key themes include feed additive efficacy, microbial ecology in fermenters (e.g., Rusitec), and strategies to enhance feed conversion rates while reducing environmental footprints.
Prof. Dirk Weuster-Botz is a Full Professor of Bioprocess Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Engineering and Design and the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. His research focuses on biocatalytic processes, digitalized bioreactor systems, and CO₂ utilization through microbial cell factories. Education : Chemical Engineering (University of Karlsruhe, 1979-1986) Doctorate : Research Center Jülich (1991) Habilitation : RWTH Aachen University (1999) His research interests include gas fermentation, process integration, and bioreactor engineering. He leads the TUM Technical Center for White Biotechnology and has contributed over 250 publications and numerous patents. Key contributions include advancements in DNA origami mass production and saline microalgae cultivation systems. Prof. Weuster-Botz serves as editor of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering and is a member of acatech (German Academy of Science and Engineering). His work spans industrial biotechnology, emphasizing sustainable bioproduction and digitalized bioprocess design.
Dr. Yongqiang Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research spans microbial fermentation, anaerobic digestion, hydrolysis of organic wastes, membrane filtration, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery. Dr. Liu's research interests include: Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment Biofilm applications for wastewater treatment and industrial fermentation Anaerobic digestion of energy crops, agricultural wastes, food waste and municipal solid waste Nutrient removal and recovery from wastewater Aerobic granular sludge technology Biodegradable plastic production from waste streams His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on optimizing anaerobic digestion processes, improving wastewater treatment technologies, and developing sustainable approaches for resource recovery. His work shows particular emphasis on greenhouse gas mitigation, nutrient recovery, and the application of advanced materials like calcium peroxide and biochar in water treatment systems. The research consistently bridges theoretical understanding with practical engineering applications. Dr. Liu has received significant recognition for his work, including: Science & Technology Progress Award (2006) Singapore Millennium Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship (2005) Science and Technology Progress Award (2001) Stanford University top 2% of world's leading scientists (2020-2024) As an active researcher and educator, Dr. Liu supervises multiple PhD students while teaching key courses in waste resources management and wastewater process engineering. He serves on editorial boards for academic journals and reviews research proposals for major funding bodies including BBSRC, EPSRC, and international research councils.
Jo Philips is an Associate Professor at Aarhus University's Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering. Her research specializes in microbial biotechnology for sustainable solutions, focusing on CO₂ conversion via electrosynthesis, gas fermentation, and microbial corrosion mechanisms. She integrates experimental work with mathematical modeling to optimize biotechnological processes. Research Focus Philips' work targets: Developing microbial systems for converting CO₂ into valuable products Investigating electron transfer in microbiological corrosion Optimizing gas fermentation through bioenergetic studies Engineering microbial electrosynthesis for renewable energy applications Awards and Grants Villum Young Investigator Grant (2023-2027) AUFF Starting Grant (2019-2023) European Union Doctoral Network funding (TRAMPOLINe, 2025-2028) Projects She leads initiatives including: MES-MODEL: Mathematical modeling for microbial electrosynthesis (2022-2025) Scaling CO₂-to-methane conversion via electrosynthesis (2023-2025) Biofilm adhesion engineering for electroactive bacteria (2020-2024)
Andrea Curioni is a Full Professor at the University of Padova , affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Food and Animal Sciences (DAFNAE). His research focuses on enology, food chemistry, and sustainable processing of wine by-products, particularly wine lees and yeast-derived compounds. Academic Field: AGR/15 - Food Science Key research areas include: Antioxidant properties and bioactive peptides from yeast Mannoprotein extraction and wine stabilization Colloid formation and protein-phenolic interactions in red wines Valorization of winery waste through green chemistry Recent publications highlight his work on sustainable extraction methods, sensory interactions in wine, and molecular characterization of grape and wine compounds. His research employs advanced analytical techniques like asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation and FTIR spectroscopy for wine composition analysis. While no specific awards are documented in this dataset, his extensive publication record demonstrates leadership in food and wine chemistry. He investigates multisensory interactions, allergenicity of grape products, and innovative applications of plant proteins in food systems.
Antonio Natalello is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor (RTDB) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, specializing in Special Zootechnics (AGRI-09/C). His office is located at Via Santa Sofia, 100 - Block D, floor -1, with office hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM by appointment. He holds a PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science from the University of Catania, which included extensive international research experience at University College Dublin, Spanish National Research Council, and University of Reading. Dr. Natalello's research focuses on sustainable animal nutrition and meat science, with emphasis on: Utilization of agricultural by-products (pomegranate, hazelnut, olive) in ruminant diets Meat quality enhancement through natural antioxidants Fatty acid metabolism and biohydrogenation in livestock Reducing methane emissions through tannin-rich feeds Improving dairy product quality through innovative feeding strategies His publications demonstrate consistent focus on sustainable livestock production, particularly exploring how agricultural by-products can improve meat quality, reduce environmental impact, and enhance nutritional value of animal products. Dr. Natalello actively mentors graduate students as tutor and co-tutor for two PhD candidates in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science. He has secured research funding through European projects including 'ProYoungStock' (Horizon 2020 ERA-Net) and 'JESMED' (ENI Italy-Tunisia cross-border program). As Associate Editor for Frontiers in Animal Science , Open Agriculture , and Agriculture , he contributes significantly to academic discourse in animal science.
Pau San Valero Tornero is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Valencia, Spain. He is an active member of the GI2AM Research Group on Environmental Engineering, contributing to both environmental bioprocesses and chemical engineering education innovation. His research interests span two interconnected domains: Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering and Chemical Engineering Education . In environmental engineering, he focuses on biotrickling filtration for VOC removal, anaerobic digestion, biogas treatment, and ABE fermentation from lignocellulosic biomass like rice straw. His educational research emphasizes active learning, virtual laboratories (e.g., IQLABS, VIRTUALCHENG), pedagogical tools like Wooclap, and curriculum development for transferable skills in Industry 4.0. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward sustainable bioprocesses for bio-based chemical production and a parallel commitment to educational transformation. Articles cluster around optimizing fermentation conditions (pH, sugar composition), pretreatment methods, and in-situ recovery techniques for butanol, while also advancing virtual and active learning models in chemical engineering education. This dual focus highlights his role as both a technical innovator and an educational leader. Dr. Valero has been involved in several educational innovation projects such as ACESIQ, IQLABS, and VIRTUALCHENG, which aim to modernize laboratory teaching, align curricula with learning outcomes, and enhance virtual learning strategies. These projects reflect institutional grant support and collaborative efforts to improve engineering education. Although no specific advisees are listed, his leadership in these initiatives suggests mentoring roles for students and junior faculty. He is actively engaged with the GI2AM Research Group, where he contributes to projects on gas-phase pollution control, bioreactor modeling, and sustainable process design. This team-based research environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental biotechnology and process engineering.
Surbhi Jain is a Research Fellow in the Department of Microbiology at Monash University, specializing in microbial biotechnology and sustainable bioprocessing. Her research focuses on understanding and optimizing microbial conversion of waste gases (e.g., CO, CO₂) into valuable products like single-cell proteins and biofuels, with significant implications for UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and sustainable industry. She investigates thermophilic acetogens such as Thermoanaerobacter kivui , elucidating their metabolic pathways including acetogenesis, electron bifurcation, and CO utilization mechanisms. Her work bridges fundamental microbiology with applied biotechnology, addressing challenges in industrial biocatalysis and waste-to-bioenergy systems. Key research areas include enzyme function in thermophilic organisms, metabolic pathway engineering, and microbial adaptation to extreme environments. Collaborations involve analyzing global networks of electron carriers and genetic components critical for CO-dependent growth and formate production. Jain's publications demonstrate a focus on Thermoanaerobacter kivui 's physiology, including studies on CO dehydrogenase enzymes, hydrogenase complexes, and the molecular basis of electron bifurcation. Her findings contribute to optimizing bioindustrial processes using thermophilic microbes for sustainable waste gas utilization. No scientific awards or grants are specifically mentioned in the provided information.
Antonio Sanchez Ferrer is a Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), where he leads the Grup de recerca en tecnologies de (Bio) Remediació Ambiental i Valorització d'Efluents residuals (BRAVE) research group. His academic journey includes positions as Professor Titular d'Escola Universitària at the Escola Universitària Politècnica del Medi Ambient (1998-2005), CIRIT Fellow with the Government of Catalonia (1996-1998), and Process Researcher at Purac Bioquímica SA (1993-1994). Dr. Sanchez Ferrer earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from UAB (1998), following a Master's in Biotechnology (1996) and a Degree in Chemical Sciences with specialization in Industrial Chemistry (1993), all from UAB. His research fingerprint highlights key areas including Solid-state Fermentation (100%), Composting Process (68%), Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (64%), Organic Waste Management (54%), and Anaerobic Digestion (39%). His research program addresses critical environmental challenges through innovative waste valorization approaches. Current projects include CirBioWaste (focusing on Mediterranean bio-waste management), Soil&WineResidues (sustainable vineyard soil management), and Nano4PAnMBR (nanomaterial-aided enhancement for anaerobic membrane bioreactors). His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward practical, community-scale applications of waste management technologies, with particular emphasis on composting processes, gaseous emissions control, and circular bioeconomy models. With over 330 research outputs and an h-index of 68, Dr. Sanchez Ferrer has established himself as a leading authority in sustainable waste management. His work bridges fundamental science with practical implementation, particularly in Mediterranean climate contexts where water scarcity and organic waste management present unique challenges. Dr. Sanchez Ferrer has supervised 27 students throughout his career, mentoring the next generation of environmental engineers and researchers. His laboratory work focuses on developing scalable solutions for biowaste valorization, with recent emphasis on community composting initiatives and advanced treatment technologies for organic residues.
Dr. Cristian Torri is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician' of the University of Bologna. His research focuses on analytical chemistry, biomass valorization, and sustainable biofuel production. He specializes in thermochemical conversion processes, including pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and biochar applications. Dr. Torri's work addresses environmental challenges through innovative biorefinery concepts and waste-to-energy technologies. His laboratory develops analytical methods for biomass characterization and evaluates the environmental impact of novel processes using life cycle assessment (LCA). Key areas of interest include bio-based polymer synthesis, microbial fermentation optimization, and the chemical recycling of plastics like polyethyleneimines and PVC. His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemical engineering with environmental biotechnology to create carbon-neutral solutions. Recent projects include the development of novel biochar-based reactor designs for improving volatile fatty acid production and the synthesis of bio-based polymers like poly(vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid). Dr. Torri also investigates the long-term stability of biochar in agricultural soils and the phytotoxicity of pyrolysis byproducts. Dr. Torri maintains an active collaboration network in renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. His publications span over 15 years, with a focus on advancing analytical techniques for biomass characterization and optimizing hybrid thermochemical-biological processes for maximum efficiency and sustainability.
Frank Devlieghere is a Professor at Ghent University, Department of Food Safety and Food Microbiology. His research focuses on food safety, spoilage microbiology, and modified atmosphere packaging systems. Research Interests: Food safety and microbial ecology Predictive microbiology for shelf-life modeling Non-thermal processing (plasma, irradiation) Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) optimization Degradation of packaging materials and foodborne pathogens Scientific Contributions: Developed models for Listeria monocytogenes growth under controlled CO2/pH/temperature Investigated spoilage dynamics in meat, seafood, and plant-based products Explored sustainable packaging with antimicrobial properties Evaluated life cycle assessments integrating microbiological risks Collaborative Work: Partnerships with UGent colleagues like Mieke Uyttendaele, Peter Ragaert, and Andreja Rajkovic across 566+ publications in Agriculture and Food Sciences.
