Nieves Barros Pena is a Professor at the Department of Applied Physics, Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. She holds a PhD from the same university (1993) with a thesis on microcalorimetry in Galician soil microbial studies, supervised by Dr. Lisardo Núñez Regueira. Her research focuses on soil microbiology, thermodynamics of soil organic matter, and biocalorimetric methods. Her work spans environmental science, analyzing soil microbial metabolism, thermal decomposition pathways, and carbon sequestration mechanisms. Notable contributions include studies on Amazonian soils, forest ecosystems, and the impact of land use changes. She leads the PROCES research group in signal processing, applying thermal analysis (DSC-TG) and NMR spectroscopy to environmental diagnostics. Recent publications (2015–2025) explore soil responses to extreme temperatures, forest management impacts, and model validation for carbon dynamics. Her methods integrate calorimetry with biochemical assays to quantify microbial activity and energy flows in soils. Ongoing projects address climate change effects on soil stability and sustainable land management strategies.
Professor Ian Bull is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University of Bristol. He holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. His research focuses on applying analytical chemistry to study complex natural systems, particularly soil, to address challenges like carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, pollution mitigation, and climate change. His expertise includes chromatography-mass spectrometry, biomarker analysis, and environmental forensics. Recent work includes archaeological lipid analysis, plastic degradation studies, and microbial interactions in extreme environments. He collaborates with researchers such as Dr. Helen Whelton and Dr. Richard Evershed, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in archaeology, geochemistry, and environmental science. His lab's activities span from ancient environmental reconstruction (e.g., coprolite analysis) to modern pollution studies, emphasizing the intersection of chemistry and global sustainability.
Gina Manning is Head of the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University of Wolverhampton since 2017. She previously held academic roles at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), including Senior Lecturer (2005–2007), Principal Lecturer (2007–2014), and Head of Bioscience (2014–2017). Before NTU, she worked as a Senior Research Scientist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (1996–2005), focusing on Campylobacter jejuni pathogenesis. PhD in Biological Science, University of Leicester BSc (Hons) in Biological Science, University of Leicester PGCHE, Nottingham Trent University Her research centers on foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni / coli , exploring molecular pathogenesis, evolution, and niche adaptation. Recent collaborative work includes probiotic applications to reduce Campylobacter in food chains. Articles (2002–2022) span genomic epidemiology, virulence mechanisms, and interdisciplinary agricultural polymer science. Notable awards include Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Teaching activities include microbiology, pathogenesis, and molecular typing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has supervised doctoral candidates, including studies on polyhydroxyalkanoates and undergraduate supervision dynamics.
Prof. César Rodriguez-Emmenegger, PhD, is a Principal Investigator at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , leading the research group Bioinspired Interactive Materials and Protocellular Systems . His work focuses on designing synthetic materials that interact with biological systems, particularly antifouling polymer brushes and biomimetic vesicles. Education : Chemical Engineer, Universidad de la República (Uruguay); PhD in Biophysics, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) Postdoctoral Training : Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany); University of Pennsylvania (USA) Research Interests : His research bridges materials science , surface chemistry , and synthetic biology to develop non-fouling interfaces , dendrimersomes , and smart coatings for medical devices. Key themes include protein adsorption resistance , hemocompatibility , and biofilm prevention . Scientific Contributions : His work has led to 15+ high-impact publications (2020-2023) in journals like Advanced Materials , ACS Nano , and PNAS , with a focus on dendrimersome self-assembly , light-triggered surface modifications , and medical implant coatings . Articles reveal expertise in glycoengineering , nanovesicle design , and complement activation in blood-plasma interactions. Grants & Collaborations : Supported by Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship , with collaborations spanning Cambridge University , University of Pennsylvania , and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology . Holds patents on antifouling polymer brushes and co-authored a book on Biological Fluid-Surface Interactions . Labs & Teams : Currently leads a multidisciplinary team at IBEC , previously establishing junior groups at IMC Prague and DWI Aachen . Integrates polymer chemistry , biointerface engineering , and synthetic cell mimics for next-gen biomaterials.
Paolo Carletti is a Permanent Researcher at the Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE) , University of Padova, Italy. His work focuses on soil science, plant biostimulants, sustainable agriculture, and environmental remediation. Role: Academic Researcher, AGR/13 (Agricultural Chemistry) Contact: paolo.carletti@unipd.it, Agripolis Campus, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (Padova), Italy Research Interests include: Soil remediation strategies for contaminated environments Biostimulant mechanisms in plant stress tolerance Humic substances and rhizosphere dynamics Climate change mitigation through agroforestry Application of nanotechnologies in agriculture Conservation agriculture practices in Italian ecosystems Selected Publications (2021-2025) demonstrate expertise in: Phytoremediation and metallophyte studies Soil microbial ecology and functional diversity Advanced analytical techniques (NIRS, proteomics) Organic amendment impacts on crop physiology PFAS contamination management Tropical soil restoration methods
Dr. Lisa Waidner is an Associate Professor in the CEDB/Biology department at the University of West Florida (UWF), where she has been a faculty member since 2016. She holds a Ph.D. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware, an M.S. in Applied Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Ph.D., Marine Studies, University of Delaware M.S., Applied Molecular Biology, University of Maryland B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County Dr. Waidner's research focuses on environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, and bioremediation, particularly in coastal and inland waters. Her work investigates the role of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs (AAP) in light-stimulated uptake of organic matter and contaminants, and the ecology of Vibrio species in the Pensacola Bay system. She employs molecular, microbiological, and ecological techniques to study freshwater, estuarine, and marine bacterial communities. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in environmental microbiology and bioremediation, with studies on crude oil impacts, biodegradation of nitroaromatics and chlorinated compounds, and ecological monitoring of artificial reefs and invasive species. These works span journals such as Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution , Environmental Microbiology , and Applied and Environmental Microbiology , indicating a multidisciplinary approach grounded in molecular and ecological methodologies. Dr. Waidner has been recognized with several awards, including: HIP Student Showcase Winner 2022 - Best Research with Faculty HIP Faculty Showcase Winner 2022 - Best Research with Faculty Project She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in research, integrating them into projects involving field sampling, molecular analyses, and interdisciplinary collaborations in bioinformatics and industrial design. Her lab has received grant support for STEAM education and environmental monitoring initiatives. Dr. Waidner is also involved in multiple collaborative research teams, particularly through the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation and the Gulf Islands Research & Education Center, contributing to regional environmental science and education efforts.
Viktoriya Vasilieva is a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology , part of the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . She holds a Doctorate in Natural Sciences (Dr. nat. techn.) from BOKU (2013) and has dedicated her career to environmental biotechnology, specializing in contaminated site management, anaerobic waste recycling, and biogas technology. Research Focus: Environmental remediation, biodegradation analysis, and sustainable energy systems Educational Background: Moscow State University (MSc 2004, BSc 2002), Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Associate 2001-2004) Her work includes method development for GC-MS-based contaminant profiling and biogas process monitoring. She received a Best Paper Award (Third Prize) at the 5th European Bioremediation Conference in 2011. Contact: viktoriya.vasilieva@boku.ac.at
Dr. Ting-Shyang Wei is a researcher at the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) within the Deep Biosphere department under the Institute of Resource Ecology. His work focuses on microbial ecology in extreme environments and their implications for nuclear waste repository systems. Key research areas include: • Microbial interactions with nuclear waste containment materials • Biogeochemical processes in extreme environments • Multi-omics analysis of microbial networks • Hormone and plasticizer biodegradation mechanisms Recent publications highlight his expertise in: Metagenomic analysis of halophilic and high-altitude bacteria Microbial corrosion resistance in bentonite barriers Microbial networks removing environmental pollutants Contact: Email: t.wei@hzdr.de Phone: +49 351 260 2759
A.K.M. M. Mollah is a Clinical Lecturer in the Biology Department at Iona University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Stony Brook University, and a BA from Illinois Wesleyan University. Education: Ph.D., University of Notre Dame MBA, Stony Brook University BA, Illinois Wesleyan University His research focuses on the mechanisms of antibiotic action against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis , microbial biodegradation of synthetic materials, and protein folding/stability-structure-function relationships. He teaches general biology, microbiology, and environmental science courses. Contact: amollah@iona.edu | Office: Cornelia Hall, 105-B | Phone: (914) 633-2280
Roles & Affiliations: Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela. Member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS) and the BIOGROUP Environmental Biotechnology research group. Previously affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and the GIPA Aquaculture Pathology Research Group. Education: PhD in Microbiology from University of Santiago de Compostela (2012), with a thesis on Vibrio tapetis intraspecific variability. Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Sheffield (UK) and multiple grants from Xunta de Galicia and Spanish Government. Research Interests: Focuses on bacterial diversity in wastewater treatment systems, particularly microplastic degradation. Explores microbial communities involved in biodegradation, environmental biotechnology, and anaerobic processes. Recent work includes optimizing protein fermentation for volatile fatty acid production and studying antibiotic resistance in urban water systems. Publications & Grants: Over 75 publications, including high-impact journals like Environmental Science & Technology and Microbial Biotechnology . Principal investigator of projects such as 'PlasticBugs' (Spanish Government) and 'Degradation of Myco- and Macroplastics' (Ramón y Cajal Fellowship). Awards include the Distinguished Researcher Fellowship for Talent Retention (Xunta de Galicia). Lab & Collaborations: Leads research in CRETUS and BIOGROUP, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects involving microbial ecology and environmental engineering. Supervises master’s students, such as Jaime Landeira, and actively participates in international conferences (e.g., ISME19 in Cape Town).
Miguel Mauricio Iglesias is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), affiliated with the Higher Technical School of Engineering and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS). He leads the BIOGROUP Environmental Biotechnology research group. His academic journey includes a BSc in Chemical Engineering (USC, 2006), a PhD in Food Technology (University of Montpellier, 2009), and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Technical University of Denmark (2010–2014) before joining USC as a Marie Curie IEF fellow. Research focuses on modeling-driven solutions for chemical and bioprocess engineering challenges, particularly waste-to-chemical conversion. Key areas include metabolic modeling for VFA (volatile fatty acid) production from organic waste, LCA-based efficiency assessments in wastewater treatment, and biorefinery design. His ENERWATER methodology became the European standard (CEN/TR 17614:2021) for energy efficiency in wastewater plants. He develops hybrid models for real-time process monitoring, such as in lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation, and explores microbial community dynamics in anaerobic systems. Publications emphasize optimizing VFA production from diverse waste streams (fish canning, dairy, agricultural residues), bioplastics lifecycle analysis, and energy benchmarking frameworks. His work bridges computational tools with experimental validation to advance circular bioeconomy goals, including protein fermentation valorization and biofilm-based nitrogen removal systems. Awards include the establishment of the ENERWATER European standard. His lab integrates metabolic models, stochastic optimization, and data analytics to address climate change impacts on the dairy sector and biorefinery scalability. Collaborations focus on active packaging design and industrial internship impacts on chemical engineering education.
Nitzan Cohen is a Professor of Product Design and Dean of the Faculty of Design and Art at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. He founded the Design Friction Lab (DFL), a multidisciplinary research initiative focused on sustainable innovation at the intersection of science, industry, and speculative design. His work emphasizes critical design approaches to address environmental challenges through projects like DIYR (Do-It-Yourself Revolution), bioreactors for microbial materials, and biodegradable electronics. Research interests include crafted electronics, open-source production, circular design, nano-electronics, and regenerative design. The DFL collaborates with scientists, artisans, and corporations to translate experimental concepts into real-world applications, prioritizing aesthetics and ethics in sustainable solutions. Recent articles highlight advancements in biodegradable sensors, laser-induced paper-based electronics, and microbial cellulose fabrication. Awards include recognition in international design collections, though specific prizes are not listed. Cohen teaches in the Bachelor of Design program and has advised on projects ranging from smart textiles to fermentation-based biomaterials. Labs/Teams: The Design Friction Lab (DFL) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, blending design, engineering, and biology to prototype future-oriented solutions. Current projects explore distributed manufacturing, nano-technologies, and circular production systems.
Catarina Leite Amorim is a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), affiliated with the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology with a specialization in Environmental Science and Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Porto. Her work is centered on innovative wastewater treatment technologies, particularly aerobic granular sludge systems, bioaugmentation, and microbiome dynamics. Education: PhD in Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (2009–2013) Bachelor in Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (2001–2005) Her research interests focus on the application of granular sludge technology using microalgae and bacteria for wastewater treatment, bioaugmentation processes, adsorption-based removal of pollutants, and the functional dynamics of microbial communities. She explores how microbial systems adapt to stressors such as seawater intrusion and pharmaceutical contaminants, aiming to enhance treatment resilience and efficiency. The most recent articles highlight a strong trend in environmental biotechnology, particularly in the resilience of aerobic granular sludge under saline and pharmaceutical stress, the valorization of waste materials (e.g., bone char) for pollutant adsorption, and the microbial mechanisms enabling nutrient removal. These works reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials. Scientific Awards: CBQF Annual Scientific Incentive Award (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) Proof of Concept Grant (Wastewater Field) Proof of Concept Grant (Innovative Biomaterials) Best Oral Presentation, 3rd International Conference on Microbiology (2025) Catarina Leite Amorim has supervised multiple Master’s and PhD students, including Happiness Bob, O. and Miranda, C. She has been involved in significant research grants such as GReAT (as PI), AGeNT, Beer2BioPol, AquaVal, and MobFood, all focused on industrial wastewater treatment and valorization. She teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and serves on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology , PLOS ONE , and Polymers . She is actively engaged in scientific dissemination, organizing events such as CBQF Day 2024 and BIOFASE, and contributing to public outreach through media appearances and participation in initiatives like the European Researchers’ Night and International Microorganisms Day. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sanitation, and responsible consumption.
Alvise Benedetti is a Senior Researcher at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, affiliated with the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems and the European Center for Living Technology. His research focuses on advanced materials science, including nanomaterials synthesis, catalysis, green chemistry, and cultural heritage conservation. He holds expertise in physical chemistry of materials, surface characterization, and environmental impact assessment. Key projects include studies on supported metal catalysts, luminescent nanomaterials, and silica-based nanosystems for biomedical and industrial applications. He collaborates on EU-funded initiatives like the Indo-Italian Center of Excellence for Restoration and the Erasmus+ programs in Japan and Mongolia. Benedetti’s work bridges fundamental research with applied solutions, addressing challenges in sustainability, environmental monitoring, and heritage preservation. His teaching contributions include courses on bio/nanomaterials science, solid-state chemistry, and cultural heritage conservation. Benedetti’s research is supported by grants from MIUR, MAECI, and private industries, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation and societal impact.
Dr. Callum Banfield is a staff scientist and lab manager at the University of Tübingen's Department of Geosciences, within the Faculty of Science. He specializes in isotope applications (both stable and radioactive) across field and lab scales, with a focus on solving technical challenges in analytical and experimental setups. His current role includes managing radioisotope labs (14C, 33P, 3H, 55Fe) and CSIA labs (15N, 18O, 2H, 13C), radiation safety for Mössbauer spectrometers, and biosafety coordination for multiple research groups. He also oversees the EU pest quarantine station and trains lab technicians as an instructor. Education: PhD in Geoecology (2014-2018), University of Göttingen MSc in Geoecology (2007-2013), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Research focuses on soil microbial dynamics, isotopic tracing in environmental systems, and subsoil hotspots. Notable contributions include elucidating carbon storage mechanisms in microorganisms and developing novel isotope labeling techniques. His work integrates advanced methods like GC-MS, LC-MS, and phosphor imaging. Scientific achievements include the 2019 Ulrich-Babel Medal for his dissertation. He leads the German Soil Science Society's 'Isotopes in Soil Science' working group and collaborates internationally on projects like the DFG-funded 'Microbial Storage Compounds' and BMBF's 'RootWayS.' Lab management innovations include 3D printing for experimental setups and radiation safety protocols. He advises on biodegradable mulching films' environmental impacts and co-leads studies on perennial crop domestication in Denmark and Korea.
