Ben Wagstaff is a Research Fellow specializing in Molecular Microbiology, with a focus on glycosylation enzymes, glycoconjugates, and archaeal biology. His work spans biochemical analysis of N-glycan synthesis pathways and rhamnose biosynthesis in microalgae. Department: Molecular Microbiology Research Interests Wagstaff's research centers on enzymatic mechanisms in glycoconjugate formation, including: Structural and functional analysis of archaeal N-glycan synthesis enzymes NDP-rhamnose biosynthesis pathways Rhamnosyltransferase activity in natural systems Fusion protein characterization in Prymnesium parvum Comparative analysis of glycosylation across domains of life Publication Trends His publications reveal expertise in: Enzymology of glycosylation (2019-2022) Evolutionary conservation of synthesis mechanisms (2022) Microalgal carbohydrate metabolism (2019) Review of rhamnosyltransferase applications (2021) Collaborative Activities Active in science communication through: Participation in 2020 Magnificent Microbes workshops Contributions to public engagement events Collaborations with international researchers on glycosylation studies
Daniel Poveda Huertes serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, specializing in the Section for Plant Biochemistry. His research focuses on microalgal biology and biotechnology within the Algae Biosynthesis research group led by Johan Andersen-Ranberg. Dr. Poveda Huertes investigates fundamental microalgal biology with emphasis on SAR microalgae including Nannochloropsis oceanica , Phaeodactylum tricornutum , and Breviolum minutum . His work spans photosynthetic pigment biogenesis , lipid accumulation mechanisms , and genome engineering tool development to optimize microalgae for sustainable bioproduction. Microalgae represent ideal candidates for green transition technologies due to their CO 2 fixation capabilities (responsible for ~50% of global fixation), seawater growth compatibility, and unique metabolic traits. His publication portfolio reveals strong trends in algal genetic engineering and mitochondrial biology , with recent work establishing breakthroughs in stramenopile algae transformation efficiency and chlorophyll c biosynthesis. The research bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with industrial applications in biotech, food additives, and pharmaceutical production. Scientific Recognition: NNF Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) for PhotoMASS project VILLUM Experiment Grant (2023) for MOONWALK project studying algae buoyancy Dr. Poveda Huertes actively advises students and has served as iGEM team advisor (2021-2022). His externally funded projects include the NNF PhotoMASS initiative (2022-2025) developing phototrophic marine algae for sustainable synthetic biology, and the VILLUM MOONWALK project (2024-2026) investigating algae buoyancy mechanisms. His research has generated significant media interest including coverage in Spanish-language outlets about microalgae's sustainable potential and features about growing algae for astronaut nutrition. He maintains active research collaborations across international networks with substantial digital engagement (144+ Mendeley readers, 63+ X mentions) and his work has been referenced in Wikipedia pages related to mitochondrial biology.
Dr. Nicholas Khong is a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Technology at the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry & Microbiology and a PhD in Medical Biotechnology from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where he received the Khazanah Watan Leadership Award (2010) and Kanazawa Research Fellowship (2011). His research focuses on converting nuisance organisms into biofunctional components for nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, with expertise in microbiological valorization, analytical methods, and pilot-scale production. He has consulted on product registration, halal certification, GMP, and ISO standards. Key research interests include experimental dermatology, immunobiology, probiotic microorganisms, and microalgae-based solutions. He leads projects like Deciphering psoriatic complexity (2024–2027) and Engkabang cosmeceutical development (2023–2026). His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable industry and innovation. Awards : ASEAN-FEN Outstanding Young Scientist (2019), MSPP Young Teacher's Award (2022), WIPO Medal for Inventors (2018). Grants/Projects : 5 active projects (2022–2027), including microalgae lipid metabolism modeling and antibiotic synergism studies. Collaborations : International partnerships with institutions in China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Khong serves on editorial boards for Journal of Aging Research and Dermatology Research and Practice . He actively supervises PhD students and has over 36 peer-reviewed publications.
Prof. Thomas Brück holds the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Natural Sciences and Department of Chemistry. He serves as Director of the TUM AlgaeTec Center, operating a globally unique algae pilot plant that enables algal process development with climate simulation. Since 2020, he has been Dean for Research and Innovation at the TUM School of Natural Sciences, overseeing three research departments (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) with over 90 professors and 7,500 employees, and developing comprehensive research and industrial implementation strategies. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2002) from Imperial College and Greenwich University, London Master of Philosophy in Molecular Medicine (1996-1997) from Keele University Dual B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1992-1996) from Keele University Prof. Brück's research focuses on synthetic biotechnology, particularly designing sustainable processes for converting residual biomass and CO 2 into platform and specialty chemicals. His group employs advanced bioinformatic tools and molecular simulation to modulate enzyme catalysis toward process-relevant parameters. They incorporate redesigned enzymes into customized cell systems for whole-cell production of terpenoids and functionalized lipids. His team specializes in phototrophic and heterotrophic cell systems that convert CO 2 to value-adding chemical entities, with expertise spanning microbial cultivation, artificial metabolic pathway design, synthetic and systems biology, and associated bioprocess development using E. coli, yeast, and microalgae. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: 2024 JEC-Award for Green Carbon Fiber in the 'Sustainable Building' category 2022 Green Award for sustainable building materials at Green Tech Festival in Singapore 2019 1st Sustainability Award of Technical University of Munich 2018 E-Ward for development of carbon fibers based on algae 2018 Werner Siemens Foundation Chair for Synthetic Biotechnology 2011 Süd-Chemie Foundation Professorship for Industrial Biocatalysis Prof. Brück has successfully supervised over 145 Master's students and 34 doctoral students, including several who now lead their own research groups or companies. He has secured more than 75 million euros in research funding across 34 projects from national, EU, and private sources since 2011. His research spans multiple projects including AlgenBauSchutz, CannDesign, InViDetect, and VALUABLE, with significant contributions to sustainable materials and carbon capture technologies. His research team includes Dr. Daniel Garbe, PD Dr. Norbert Mehlmer, Dr. Marion Ringel, Dr. Dania Awad, and numerous scientific staff members. He also founded the Werner Siemens Student Research Center, enabling school students to conduct biotechnology research focused on sustainability, and serves on advisory boards including the Munich Catalysis Alliance and Austrian Drug Screening Institute.
Isidora Santrac is a Researcher at the Department of Living Systems Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, holding this position since August 2022 while concurrently pursuing doctoral studies at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. Her academic credentials include: Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade (2022-present) Master of Technology Engineering from the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade (2020-2021) Undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka (2015-2020) Dr. Santrac's research integrates Coordination Chemistry and Spectroscopic Methods to investigate heavy metal impacts on algae, combining Biochemistry and Algology for microalgae-based biosynthesis of metal clusters. Her technical proficiency spans FTIR analysis, synchrotron techniques (XANES/EXAFS), ICP/GC-MS processing, and algae culture maintenance, targeting sustainable applications in aquaculture and animal feed production. Her sole documented publication (2024) analyzes trace element effects on fish fatty acids, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach bridging environmental chemistry, aquatic nutrition, and ecological toxicology within Danube River ecosystems. She actively participates in the PRIZMA project ("Microalgae for biosynthesis of metal cluster compounds") and COST Action SA21115 on iron-sulfide clusters, building on prior work in the SEED project for improving microalgae iron bioavailability. Professional engagement includes membership in the Biochemical Society of Serbia, Serbian Society for Extracellular Vesicles, and Serbian Society of Plant Physiologists, alongside science promotion activities like Researchers' Night 2022.
Altan Özkan is an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at Izmir Institute of Technology with a PhD from University of Texas at Austin (2012). His research develops algal biorefinery systems for simultaneous biofuel and high-value bioproduct production. Using marine diatoms like Cyclotella sp., his team optimizes photobioreactor conditions for lipid and chitin nanofiber synthesis. Recent work evaluates techno-economic viability of co-producing glucosamine and biofuels, emphasizing resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
Francesca Leonelli is Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department at University of Rome La Sapienza, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on sustainable organic synthesis methodologies, including asymmetric catalysis and carbon quantum dot applications. She leads projects on bioactive compound design and cultural heritage conservation materials. Leonelli develops enantioselective synthesis routes for bioactive natural products and designs covalent adaptable networks for smart materials. Her group pioneers carbon quantum dots for antifungal applications and nucleic acid sensing platforms. She teaches Organic Chemistry for cultural heritage preservation and directs the Organic Synthesis with Laboratory course. Current research includes microalgae-derived polysaccharides for art conservation and dynamic polymer networks based on oxime metathesis. Her work contributes to green chemistry through oleochemical derivatives and sustainable materials design. She collaborates with heritage science institutions on novel conservation methods.
Mercedes García González is a Full Professor at the University of Seville's Department of Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, affiliated with the Faculty of Biology. Her research focuses on microalgae biotechnology, particularly in CO2 sequestration, biofuel production, and environmental bioremediation. She leads projects on microalgal cultivation systems for industrial applications and has pioneered studies on astaxanthin accumulation mechanisms in Haematococcus pluvialis. Her work integrates genomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches to understand microalgal physiology under stress conditions. Key contributions include developing methodologies for large-scale microalgae production and optimizing bioreactor systems for carotenoid and lipid production. She has directed doctoral research on CO2 abatement via cyanobacteria and microalgae-based waste valorization strategies. Dr. García González has published extensively on topics including microalgal metabolism under high-light stress, inositol polyphosphate signaling, and the molecular basis of astaxanthin biosynthesis. Her applied research bridges fundamental biology with industrial needs, addressing sustainability challenges in energy and aquaculture sectors.
Dr. Sylwia Śliwińska-Wilczewska is a Tutor at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, affiliated with the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography. Her research focuses on ecophysiology of cyanobacteria and microalgae, particularly their autecology, global distribution, and allelopathic interactions. She collaborates with students on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals. Her work addresses airborne microbial transport, aerosolized algae health risks, and Baltic Sea ecosystem dynamics. Current projects include picocyanobacterial niche adaptation, allelochemical effects in phytoplankton communities, and cyanobacteria bloom detection via satellite indices. Research emphasizes Baltic coastal zones, with studies on cyanobacteria-macroalgae interactions, heavy metal tolerance, and climate change impacts. Experimental approaches combine lab cultures with field surveys, leveraging remote sensing and molecular techniques.
Kiron Viswanath serves as the Pro Dean for Research at Nord University's Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, where he leads the Algal and Microbial Biotechnology (AMBiome) research group. His academic role encompasses strategic research oversight, evidenced by his leadership positions on the Nord University Research Board and the Faculty Research Board. He actively contributes to animal welfare governance as a member of the Animal Welfare Body at FBA. Viswanath's research specializes in sustainable aquaculture systems, with emphasis on fish intestinal health, microbiome dynamics, and alternative feed resources. He pioneers the use of microalgae and macroalgae as functional ingredients to enhance nutrition, modulate immune responses, and reduce environmental impacts. His work spans molecular mechanisms in lipid metabolism, immunostimulant efficacy, and stress resilience in aquatic species, extending to applications in terrestrial livestock nutrition. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on algal biotechnology (lipid production, biodiesel potential), alternative protein sources (insect meals, microbial oils), and the mitigation of environmental stressors (nanoplastics, 6PPD-quinone) in aquaculture. His research integrates omics technologies, in vitro and in vivo models (zebrafish, salmon, mice), and practical feed formulation trials. Viswanath leads significant projects exploring algal-derived compounds for hypercholesterolemia management, microbiome engineering for disease resistance, and the valorization of seaweed biomass for ruminant nutrition. He co-leads the 'National Algaepilot Mongstad' initiative, driving innovations in microalgae production for food and feed applications.
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 CO 2 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.
Bo Wang is a Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on leveraging systems and synthetic biology tools to engineer intracellular metabolism for optimizing biomanufacturing of renewable resources, particularly through metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria and microalgae to convert CO₂ and light into biofuels and commodity chemicals. Education: PhD in Biochemical Engineering from Arizona State University, MS and BS in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University. His work spans metabolic regulation in photosynthetic microorganisms, circadian rhythm engineering, and CO₂ utilization strategies. Research interests include cyanobacterial metabolism plasticity, biofuel production pathways, and development of synthetic biology tools for metabolic engineering. His articles highlight advancements in fluxomic analysis, genetic tools for cyanobacteria, and CO₂ valorization strategies for sustainable biofuel production. No scientific awards or grants/advising roles are explicitly mentioned. His contributions emphasize foundational research in microbial systems biology and applied biotechnology solutions for environmental sustainability.
Dr. David Bressler is a Full Professor at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, leading the Bressler Lab. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science. He holds a concurrent role as Special Advisor to the President (VP International and Enterprise). He earned his BSc (Honors Cell Biotechnology), MSc (not explicitly listed), and PhD (Microbiology and Biotechnology) from the University of Alberta. Research focuses on biorefining, converting agricultural and industrial by-products into biofuels, bio-based materials, and value-added commodities. Key projects include a $7M initiative to produce biojet fuel from waste lipids and collaboration with federal/provincial governments and private entities. The lab integrates chemical, thermal, and biological systems for sustainable production. Key areas: Biofuel production, protein recovery from rendering waste, cellulose nanocrystals, and flocculants for oil sands tailings Collaborative projects with Syncrude Research, Edmonton International Airport, and Future Energy Systems Publications emphasize pyrolysis, fermentation optimization, and biorefinery processes. The lab employs state-of-the-art equipment for analytical and bioprocessing research. Dr. Bressler’s work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in sustainable resource utilization and circular economy. Funding partners include Prairies Economic Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Alberta Innovates, and the University of Alberta’s Future Energy Systems initiative. The lab’s infrastructure supports multidisciplinary projects in biochemical engineering, microbiology, and materials science.
Klaus von Schwartzenberg serves as a Research Group Leader in Aquatic Ecophysiology and Phycology at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Plant Sciences and Microbiology (IPM). He works from the Otto Warburg House, Room 2.124, and leads research focused on algae, plant physiology, and cytokinin metabolism. His research interests center on aquatic ecophysiology and phycology, with particular expertise in algae collections (especially the Microalgae and Zygnematophyceae Collection Hamburg - MZCH), plant hormone research (particularly cytokinins), moss biology (especially Physcomitrella patens ), and the evolutionary relationships between algae and land plants. His work bridges fundamental plant physiology with ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on Zygnematophyceae (a group of streptophyte algae closely related to land plants), algal genomics, plant hormone signaling, and the development of molecular tools for studying non-model algal systems. His research demonstrates how algae collections serve as critical resources for evolutionary and ecological studies. Dr. von Schwartzenberg has received significant recognition through his extensive publication record spanning multiple decades, though specific awards are not listed in the available materials. His work appears in high-impact journals across plant science, molecular biology, and evolutionary biology. He mentors doctoral students, including Atiqur Rahaman, and collaborates with technical staff like Sigrid Körner. His research group works closely with Prof. Dr. Dieter Hanelt's group, indicating strong collaborative networks within the department. The Microalgae Collection (MZCH) serves as a central resource for his research program.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Hans-Peter Braun is a faculty member at Leibniz University Hannover, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Institute of Plant Genetics . His academic role includes serving on the Executive Board and Management of his institute, along with committee memberships such as the Curriculum and Teaching Committee for Molecular and Applied Plant Science and Plant Biotechnology programs. Research Focus: Plant molecular biology, proteomics, mitochondrial biochemistry, stress response mechanisms, and photosynthesis in parasitic plants. Contact: Email: braun@genetik.uni-hannover.de | Office: Building 4104, Room 003, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover. Key Trends in Recent Publications: Dr. Braun’s work spans proteomic analysis of seed development, mitochondrial complex reorganization under stress, chloroplast supercomplex structures, and evolutionary adaptations in parasitic plant organelles. His studies often integrate transcriptomics, proteomics, and structural biology to dissect plant energy metabolism and stress tolerance at molecular levels. Committees: Speaker, Senate Deputy, Quality of Teaching and Studying Committee Member, Curriculum and Teaching Committee (Molecular and Applied Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology)
