University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Christine Stumpp is a Professor at the Institute of Soil Physics and Rural Water Management , affiliated with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) . Her work integrates hydrology , soil physics , and stable isotope analysis to address critical issues in groundwater recharge , climate change impacts on water systems , and microplastic transport in soils .
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Nikolaus Müllner is a researcher at the Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work centers on nuclear safety, reactor technology, risk assessment, and thermal-hydraulic modeling, particularly for VVER-type reactors. He actively contributes to international nuclear safety discourse through conferences and peer review. His research interests include nuclear reactor safety, severe accident analysis, licensing of small modular reactors, best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) methods, and environmental impact assessments in nuclear contexts. He applies simulation tools like RELAP5, MELCOR, and SCDAPSIM to analyze accident scenarios and validate safety systems. His expertise spans both technical and policy aspects of nuclear energy. Müllner has delivered numerous lectures at international conferences such as NURETH, ICONE, and IAEA events, focusing on topics like core damage frequency, station blackout scenarios, and aging management. His recent publications reflect a trend toward integrating technical safety analysis with regulatory and societal considerations, particularly in European contexts. He has served as a reviewer for journals including Energy Strategy Reviews , Progress in Nuclear Energy , and International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , contributing to the scientific quality of research in energy and risk domains. Supervision and Community Engagement: Supervised master’s theses on topics such as small modular reactor safety, RELAP5 modeling, and environmental aspects of nuclear licensing. Active in international research networks like INRAG (International Nuclear Risk Assessment Group). Engaged in public knowledge transfer through lectures and media contributions on nuclear policy and safety. Laboratories and Research Groups: While not explicitly tied to a specific lab, his work is closely associated with nuclear simulation and risk assessment frameworks, likely involving collaboration with experimental facilities such as the PSB-VVER test facility. His research is conducted within the interdisciplinary environment of BOKU’s Safety and Risk Sciences department.
Prof. Hans de Kroon is a Full Professor at the Department of Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University. He has held roles including Research Director of the Institute for Water and Wetland Research (2010–2018) and currently chairs the Netherlands Ecological Research Network. His research focuses on plant interactions, root ecology, biodiversity regulation, and community dynamics. He collaborates across disciplines with NGOs, industry, and governmental institutions to address ecological sustainability challenges. His work emphasizes understanding species coexistence, biodiversity maintenance, and the impacts of environmental changes. Notable contributions include studies on insect biomass decline and neonicotinoid effects, which garnered global attention. Awards include the Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau and multiple Hermesdorf prizes for impactful publications. Prof. de Kroon’s projects integrate empirical and statistical tools to explore ecosystem biodiversity, often involving collaborative networks. His research bridges fundamental ecology with applied solutions for ecological management and conservation.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Daniel Dörler is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he has been employed since 2019. His academic background includes a doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from BOKU and studies in Biology/Zoology from the University of Vienna. He is a leading figure in the Austrian and European citizen science movement, with a focus on biodiversity, road ecology, and public engagement in science. Institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) Department: Institute of Zoology Position: Senior Scientist (wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) Email: daniel.doerler@boku.ac.at ORCID: 0000-0003-2056-4084 Daniel Dörler’s research interests center on citizen science, biodiversity monitoring, and ecological research, particularly in urban and road environments. He investigates the role of public participation in data collection for scientific research and conservation, with a focus on roadkill and amphibian populations. His work bridges ecology, social science, and science communication, emphasizing the transformative potential of citizen science for both science and society. He is deeply involved in methodological development, quality criteria, and the scalability of citizen science projects. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend towards the integration of technology, policy, and community engagement in citizen science. Works such as automated species detection for anurans, roadkill hotspot analysis, and the development of scalability toolkits highlight a move towards data-driven, policy-relevant, and ethically sound citizen science. The articles consistently focus on practical applications, project design, and the societal impact of participatory research, spanning sub-fields like conservation biology, bioacoustics, and science policy. Daniel Dörler has received numerous scientific awards, reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and public outreach: 2023: Ars Docendi Award for excellent teaching, Honorary Mention for the Roadkill project (EU Citizen Science Prize), and multiple awards for co-supervised Master’s theses. 2022: Sustainability Award from Austrian Federal Ministries. 2017: BOKU Sustainability Prize and recognition as a Pioneer of Open Innovation in Science. 2018: Nomination for the National Animal Welfare Prize. Dörler is a principal investigator and project leader on numerous research grants from the European Commission, Austrian Science Fund (FWF), and national agencies. He is a key figure in the Citizen Science Network Austria and the platform "Österreich forscht." He frequently presents at international conferences, contributes to policy discussions, and mentors students. His collaborative work with Florian Heigl and others has established a robust network for citizen science in Austria and beyond. Daniel Dörler is a core member of the Citizen Science Network Austria and leads multiple projects such as "Leading Lights," "STEM education," and "Explore Research from East to West in Austria." He is also deeply involved in the "Roadkill" project and the "AmphiBiom" initiative for amphibian conservation. His work fosters a collaborative environment that brings together researchers, citizens, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Claudia Hledik is a researcher at the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, part of the Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She is actively engaged in multiple research projects related to water quality, pollution control, and sustainable engineering solutions. Her work is supported by national companies and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), and she serves as project manager for several ongoing initiatives. Her research interests lie in the fields of sanitary engineering , water pollution control , environmental chemistry , and sustainable water treatment technologies . She focuses on innovative methods such as pulsed electromagnetic field treatment, PFAS removal, and pollutant retention in runoff systems. Her work bridges technical engineering with environmental protection and public health. The recent publications highlight her expertise in analyzing industrial emissions, particularly mercury and MEROS dust from sinter plants, and developing technical solutions for their safe removal and potential reuse. These studies reflect a strong trend toward industrial environmental compliance and circular economy applications. Scientific Awards: No awards listed. Claudia Hledik has supervised at least one master's thesis on private swimming pools and their environmental impacts. She leads several funded research projects, including Greenflow (green hydropower), PEF water treatment, and groundwater PFAS removal, indicating active grant acquisition and project management. She collaborates with researchers such as Maria Fürhacker and is involved in knowledge transfer through technical reports for external clients. She is associated with the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, which is a key unit within BOKU’s environmental engineering research infrastructure. The institute focuses on developing advanced solutions for water safety, pollution mitigation, and sustainable resource management.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Rupert Wimmer is a Professor at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Resources of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He serves as an Editorial Board Member for journals like Frontiers in Chemistry and Wood and Fiber Science , and has been a Review Editor for ISRN Forestry (2009–2018). His work bridges wood science , renewable materials , and dendrochronology , with a focus on 3D-printed bio-composites , triboelectric wood processing , and climate reconstruction . His research spans Biocomposites: Innovations in lignin-based materials , wood-plastic composites , and fully recyclable wall systems . Wood Technology: Studies on surface activation , mechanical properties , and dust reduction during machining. Dendrochronology: Climate history analysis via tree rings and wood chemistry . The most recent articles explore circular economy in construction, electrostatic wood treatment , and drought proxies , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Awards include Rudolf Sallinger S&B Innovation Award nominations (2018, 2019) German Study Prize for Wood Materials Research (2010) Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science (2005) He has supervised over 74 theses, including Roman Myna (2025) on innovative dust reduction and Raphaela Hellmayr (2024) on wood-based circular bioeconomy . Grants from EU , FFG , and Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung fund his work. Collaborations span institutions in Australia, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Roland Köck is a Professor at the Institut für Waldbau , Department für Agrarwissenschaften, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. His work focuses on adaptive forest management under climate change, water resource protection , and forest ecosystem dynamics . Key Projects: Dynamic forest site classification, PROLINE-CE/CAMARO-D initiatives, and karst hydrology studies. Research Trends: Analysis of 15 recent publications highlights expertise in silvicultural resilience , GIS-based hydrotope modeling , tree species adaptation , and groundwater protection . Scientific Engagement: Over 37 lectures across 8 countries, including keynote addresses at international conferences like IUFRO and EGU. Policy Contributions: Authored best practice manuals for EU-funded projects (PROLINE-CE, CAMARO-D) and national stakeholders.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Klaus Salhofer is a Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) , affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Economic Development . His career spans roles as a C-4 Professor at the Technical University of Munich (2003–2015), Visiting Professor at Oregon State University (2013), and earlier positions at institutions like the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel. He holds a Dr.nat.techn. from BOKU (1996) and a Mag.rer.soc.oec. from J. Kepler University Linz (1992). Research Interests Agricultural Economics Land Use and Productivity Analysis Climate Change Resilience Policy Evaluation and Modeling Scientific Awards ARER Advisor Award (2015) AGRANA Research Award (2002) ÖGA Prize (2000) Prize Essay Competition, Agricultural Economics Society (1997) Prize of the Prof. Anton Kurir Foundation (1997) Grants include funding from the Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF) , European Union, and Austrian Ministry for Agriculture. He has led projects such as "Soil management to mitigate climate change-related precipitation extremes" and "Understanding farmers’ land use behavior under different institutional settings" .
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Gertrud Haidvogl serves as Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), affiliated with the Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Management (IHYAM) and Institute of Social Ecology (iISEC). Her research bridges environmental history and aquatic ecology to examine long-term socio-ecological transformations in river systems, with special focus on the Danube River Basin. She holds teaching authorization in Historical Aquatic Ecology and Environmental History and maintains active scholarly output through 2025. Her research interests encompass historical ecology of rivers, socio-ecological river dynamics, and human-river coevolution. She investigates how industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure projects have altered river connectivity, fish migration, and floodplain ecosystems over centuries. Her interdisciplinary methodology integrates archival research, archaeological data, ecological modeling, and policy analysis to reconstruct historical baselines and inform contemporary river restoration. Key themes include longitudinal connectivity disruption, biodiversity loss in freshwater systems, and the evolution of flood control paradigms. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals increasing emphasis on policy-relevant research, particularly regarding EU Nature Restoration Law implementation and transboundary river management. Her work consistently applies historical perspectives to establish ecological reference conditions while addressing contemporary challenges like climate change adaptation and free-flowing river restoration. The interdisciplinary nature of her scholarship is evident in collaborations spanning environmental history, ecology, hydrology, and social sciences. Dr. Haidvogl actively participates in the FWF Doctoral Program "Industrialized River Landscapes" under the HR21 Doctoral School, indicating her role in supervising doctoral candidates and securing competitive research funding. Her collaborations with the International Association for Danube Research (IAD) demonstrate engagement in transnational research networks addressing basin-scale challenges. While specific grant details aren't provided, her leadership in major interdisciplinary programs reflects substantial research funding. Embedded within BOKU's Hydrobiology and Water Management group, she contributes to interdisciplinary teams developing tools like the River Network Toolkit (RivTool) and iPODfish framework for historical fish occurrence reconstruction. Her work frequently involves partnerships with historians, ecologists, and policymakers to address complex river management challenges in urbanizing landscapes.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Andrea Watzinger is a Senior Scientist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna , affiliated with the Institute of Soil Research under the Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences. With a habilitation in soil ecology (2015), she leads multidisciplinary projects on stable isotope applications for understanding biogeochemical processes in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Education : PhD in 2000 (BOKU), Erasmus Fellowship (1996-1997, Oxford Brookes University), MSc in Biology/Ecology (1999, University of Salzburg) Research Focus : Her work integrates stable isotope techniques to trace nutrient fate in soils, assess climate change impacts on agroecosystems, develop biochar-based remediation technologies, and quantify urban carbon footprints . Recent studies examine drought effects on forest carbon dynamics, microbial processes in contaminated soils, and drone-based gas monitoring systems. Scientific Contributions : Key projects include the Vienna Urban Carbon Laboratory (2021-2025), ISO-2-DRONE (2022), and Heavy Metal City-Zen (2019-2021). Her publications span groundwater remediation, isotope ecology, and sustainable soil management. Awards : Wissenschaftspreis Land Niederösterreich (2015), Förderpreis Wien (2004), Stiftung 120 Jahre BOKU (2002), Wissenschaftsagentur Salzburg (2000) Collaborative Networks : She collaborates with the Austrian Institute of Technology , European Geosciences Union , and Stable Isotope Network Austria , supervising interdisciplinary teams in hydrology, microbial ecology, and environmental engineering. Her outreach includes citizen science initiatives like Heavy Metal City-Zen for urban soil safety.
Professor Ursula Kriebaum is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Vienna's Institute for European, International and Comparative Law within the Faculty of Law. She serves as a full Professor in the Department of International Law and International Relations, where she maintains an active research program and supervises numerous students. Her office is located at the Juridicum building (Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna), Staircase II, 5th Floor, Room R549. Professor Kriebaum's research focuses span several critical areas of international law including international human rights protection, international investment law (particularly expropriation, fair and equitable treatment standards, and the relationship between human rights and investment protection), international arbitration tribunals, implementation of international human rights obligations into domestic law, and restitution of assets confiscated during the National Socialist regime. Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent pattern of examining the intersection between human rights frameworks and investment protection mechanisms. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward addressing contemporary challenges in international dispute resolution, particularly the development of mechanisms like the Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration. Her work consistently bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical applications in international arbitration, with significant attention to how investment treaties affect human rights protections and regulatory space for states. She has made substantial contributions to understanding expropriation standards, fair and equitable treatment, and the right to water in investment contexts. Among her notable professional affiliations and honors: Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague (since September 2014) Alternate Arbitrator at the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (since August 2013) Member of the Arbitration Panel for the Protocol on Cultural Cooperation to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Korea Member of the German Society of International Law Member of the International Law Association (Committee on Human Rights) Member of the European Society of International Law Professor Kriebaum actively supervises a large team of students and researchers, demonstrating her commitment to academic mentorship. She has participated in significant research projects including a study on Asian ombudsman institutions conducted jointly with Professor Gabriele Kucsko-Stadlmayer, supported by Mag. Philipp Janig and Mag. Thomas Stefan Eder, for the International Ombudsman Institute and funded by the Institute and the World Bank. Her media appearances, including an Ö1 interview on the Geneva Refugee Convention and participation in TV discussions about CETA and TTIP, demonstrate her engagement with current legal issues affecting public discourse.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Reinhard Steurer serves as Associate Professor of Climate Policy and Deputy at the Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna. His research critically examines the political dimensions of the climate crisis, with particular focus on the proliferation of excuses and pseudo-climate protection measures across societal sectors. Steurer actively engages in public discourse through Twitter @ReiSteurer and supports youth climate movements as a Scientist for Future. His academic foundation includes a Mag.phil. (1997) and Dr.phil. (2001) in Political Science from the University of Salzburg, a Master of Public Policy (2002) from the University of Maryland, USA, and habilitation in Comparative Politics at BOKU Vienna (2013). Steurer's research spans climate governance, federalism's impact on climate policy, sustainable development strategies, and corporate social responsibility. He investigates how political systems in Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark enable symbolic climate gestures while hindering substantive action, particularly in flood risk management and building sector decarbonization. His work reveals institutional barriers to policy integration and the gap between climate rhetoric and implementation. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2024) shows consistent focus on European climate legislation, adaptation governance, and the political dynamics of policy change. Key trends include comparative studies of national climate acts, transitions in flood management paradigms, and urban adaptation strategies like green roofs. His work consistently highlights the tension between political symbolism and substantive climate action across governance levels. With over 70 publications in journals including Policy Sciences and Climate Policy , Steurer has delivered more than 100 presentations and taught at four universities. His public engagement extends beyond academia through active science communication and support for evidence-based climate policymaking.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Markus Drapalik is a researcher at the Institute for Safety and Risk Sciences within the Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work spans risk research, renewable energy systems, radiation protection, and technology assessment, with a strong focus on wind energy safety, particularly ice throw phenomena. He holds a doctoral degree in Natural Resources and Life Sciences and previously pursued physics doctorate studies at the University of Vienna. His research interests include risk assessment in renewable energy, particularly urban small wind turbines, photovoltaics, biogas, and nuclear safety. He has led multiple research projects on ice throw simulation, risk analysis of small wind turbines, and safety considerations for small modular reactors. His work integrates experimental physics, engineering modeling, and policy-relevant technology assessment. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in renewable energy risk mitigation, especially concerning wind turbine icing, alongside contributions to nuclear safety standards and advanced materials assessment. These works appear in journals related to cold regions science, sustainable energy, and safety research, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement. Scientific awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Markus Drapalik has supervised numerous master’s theses on topics including wind turbine recycling, seasonal energy storage, and photovoltaic applications. He has been involved in multiple externally funded research projects, supported by entities such as FFG, EU, and the Austrian Federal Environment Agency, often serving as project leader or key contributor in areas of energy risk and safety. Labs and Teams: He is a core member of the research team at the Institute for Safety and Risk Sciences at BOKU, collaborating with colleagues such as Friederike Frieß, Nikolaus Müllner, and Christian Gepp. He has co-organized the Vienna Nuclear Symposium series and contributed to EU-level foresight projects on security scenarios and disaster management.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Johannes Hübl is a Full Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), leading the Institute for Alpine Natural Hazards within the Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure. His research focuses on alpine mass movement dynamics—particularly debris flows, rockfalls, and floods—with emphasis on risk management, mitigation engineering, and climate change adaptation. He maintains an active project portfolio including EU-funded initiatives and Austrian federal collaborations. His primary research interests include the physical processes of debris flows (surge dynamics, run-up behavior, sediment transport), rockfall hazard assessment, flood protection engineering, and climate change impacts on alpine hazards. Recent work pioneers advanced monitoring techniques like pulse-Doppler radar and LiDAR for real-time measurement of flow velocity and height, directly informing protective dam design and early warning systems. He also develops GIS-integrated simulation models for granular flows and risk assessment. Hübl's publications trend toward high-resolution field studies of debris flow dynamics, with significant focus on spatial impact distribution, statistical discharge modeling, and wildfire-hazard linkages. This reflects growing priorities in climate-resilient infrastructure and quantifiable risk assessment methodologies across European alpine regions. Scientific awards: No awards, fellowships, or medals are documented in the provided materials. Advising and grants: Professor Hübl has supervised numerous university theses as indicated by his profile. His grant leadership spans over 30 projects since 1994, including: EU projects: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (2024-2028), THARMIT (2000-2003) Austrian federal funding: 20+ projects with BMLFUW/BMF (e.g., rockfall detection, sediment management) International commissions: Bhutan flood mitigation (2000), Melamchi River reviews (2023) Industry collaborations: Check dam failure analysis, Cougar Creek optimization Labs and teams: He directs field monitoring operations including the Illgraben (Switzerland) and Gadria Creek (Italy) test sites. His institute employs physical modeling (hydraulic experiments, laser scanning) and develops real-time warning systems for alpine catchments, working closely with Austrian watershed management agencies and European consortia on event documentation and structural countermeasures.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Dr. Christian Hansmann is a researcher at the Institut für Holztechnologie und Nachwachsende Rohstoffe , part of the Department für Biotechnologie und Lebensmittelwissenschaften at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . With a doctorate in wood technology (2004) and graduation in timber industry (2002), he has focused on wood modification, drying processes, and sustainable material applications. Education Doctorate, BOKU Vienna (2004) Graduation in Timber Industry (2002) His research explores wood science through innovations in wood drying , chemical modification , and bio-based composites . Notable projects include supercritical CO2-assisted impregnation, thermal insulation panels from agricultural byproducts, and eco-efficient hardwood utilization. He has supervised 15 university theses, including studies on wood laminates and bark beetle control. Recent publications highlight his work on wood modification techniques , with 15 articles from 2005–2025 covering topics like hydrophobic wood surfaces , dimensional stability , and flame-retardant treatments . Key methods include UV microscopy, siloxane treatments, and adhesive bonding analysis. Scientific Awards: tecnet Call 2009 'Eco-efficient Products' 1st Prize (2010) Dr. Wolfgang Houska Recognition Award (2009) Schweighofer Innovation Prize (2009) He has delivered 57 lectures across 15 countries, including presentations at SWST International Conventions and European Wood Modification Conferences . As a reviewer for journals like Wood Science and Technology and European Journal of Wood Products , he contributes to quality control in his field.
