Ronald Zirbs is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Colloid and Biointerface Science , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a PhD in Polymer Chemistry (Martin-Luther-University Halle/Saale, 2007-2009; TU Wien, 2005-2006), his research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis , surface-active ionic liquids , and thermoresponsive polymer architectures .
Andrey Pranovich is a faculty member at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, where he leads the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology focused on "Technologies for a sustainable future." His research spans multiple areas of wood chemistry, biomass utilization, and sustainable materials development. Dr. Pranovich's research interests center around natural materials, particularly focusing on: Lignin chemistry and applications Wood polysaccharides (especially xylan) Biomass fractionation and biorefinery processes Sustainable materials development Wood chemistry and characterization Nanocellulose and nanomaterials from biomass His recent publication record demonstrates significant contributions to the field of sustainable biomaterials, with particular emphasis on lignin-carbohydrate complexes, xylan-based hydrogels, and biobased materials for industrial applications. His work shows a strong trend toward developing environmentally friendly alternatives for industrial products while maximizing the utilization of biomass components. Notable scientific contributions include: Development of lignin-based CO2 capture materials Innovative extraction methods for wood components using green solvents Creation of xylan-based hydrogels for drug delivery applications Sustainable alternatives for road marking paints Advanced characterization of lignin-carbohydrate complexes Dr. Pranovich's research aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable production and consumption, climate action, and responsible resource management. His work bridges fundamental wood chemistry with practical applications in materials science and environmental sustainability.
Andrea Dorigato serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento, Italy, with his office located at Via Sommarive, 9 - 38123 Povo. His contact information includes telephone 0461 283724 and email andrea.dorigato@unitn.it. He actively teaches courses including Circular Economy for Materials Processing , Engineering Properties of Materials , Recycling and Sustainable Materials , and Laboratory of Polymer Technologies and Sustainability across multiple degree programs in Materials Engineering and Industrial Systems Engineering. Dr. Dorigato's research spans sustainable materials engineering with expertise in biopolymers, carbon nanotube composites, thermo-mechanical characterization, and energy storage systems. His work emphasizes circular economy principles through polymer blend compatibilization, phase separation control, and development of silsesquioxane-enhanced composites. Key focus areas include self-healing structural materials, biodegradable packaging solutions, and agricultural applications of wood-derived topsoil covers. His recent 2025 publications reveal a strong trend toward environmental impact assessment and sustainable material innovation. Dominant themes include life cycle analysis of packaging/building materials, self-repairing composites for structural applications, biopolymer-based agricultural solutions, and furanoate polyester development for biodegradable products. The research consistently integrates experimental characterization with environmental performance metrics. No scientific awards were documented in the provided sources. Information regarding student advisement, research grants, laboratory facilities, or collaborative teams was not specified in the available materials.
Muhammad Awais is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University's Bioproducts and Biosystems department, specializing in wood material science and chemical imaging techniques. His work focuses on advanced characterization of wood modification processes and their impact on physical properties. Primary affiliation: Aalto University, Finland Research group: Wood Material Science Research interests include: Chemical modification of wood Hyperspectral imaging for material analysis Fungal biodeterioration mechanisms Moisture interactions in modified wood Non-destructive testing methods Wood-polymer composite development Publication trends (2022-2025) show expertise in: Chemical imaging techniques Wood-water relations Fungal decay analysis Resin treatment optimization Hyperspectral data modeling Laboratory work involves: Wood degradation testing Chemical distribution mapping Moisture content prediction algorithms Acoustic material characterization
Prof. Marc van der Maarel serves as Director of the School of Science and Engineering and holds a Professorship in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. His academic career includes roles as a University lecturer in Microbial Ecology (1995–1999), Senior scientist and project manager at TNO Quality of Life (1999–2008), and Manager Product and Application Development at AVEBE Food Innovation Center (2009–2011). He currently maintains affiliations as a visiting professor (2006–2011) and advisor to industrial entities like modAlgae BV and Imem Holding BV. Van der Maarel earned his M.Sc. in Applied Biology (microbiology and biochemistry) from Radboud University (1986–1991) and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Groningen (1991–1995), with a thesis titled “Anaerobic microbial degradation of methylated sulphur compounds” . He also attended the Summer School Microbial Diversity at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, USA (1994). His research focuses on carbohydrate bioprocessing , including glycogen structure and biosynthesis in microorganisms, starch modification via microbial enzymes, and applications of glycoside hydrolases. He explores enzyme engineering for industrial biocatalysis, functional food development, and sustainable biomass utilization. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and innovation. Van der Maarel leads research projects on glycogen synthesis in red microalgae (Galdieria), synergistic enzyme systems in thermophiles, and Indonesian starch bioconversion. His publications emphasize enzymatic mechanisms, structural carbohydrate analysis, and industrial applications of microbial enzymes. He advises students such as PhD candidate C. Yang and collaborates with institutions like TNO and AVEBE. External roles include leadership in pharmacy and biology education boards and participation in academic committees (e.g., CCTO, ALAMY_6). His research portal highlights active engagement with enzyme characterization and microbial metabolism studies. Labs and teams: Directs the Bioproduct Engineering department and collaborates on the Centre for Carbohydrate Bioprocessing (UGR-TNO) and Carbohydrate Competence Centre. Maintains research ties with the AVEBE Food Innovation Center and modAlgae BV.
Marie Johansson is a Professor in Timber Engineering at the Department of Building Technology, Faculty of Technology, Linnaeus University. Her career spans teaching structural engineering in bachelor’s and master’s programs and leading research projects on wood quality, strength grading, and timber mechanics. Acting supervisor in two PhD projects Expert Team Leader for "Construction & Design" in BioInnovation SIO-programme Research Interests : Wood material properties (shape stability, stiffness, strength) Connection technology in timber structures Climate change adaptation in agriculture (Öland, Sweden) Modular multi-storey timber buildings Fiber orientation modeling for strength prediction Publication Trends : Recent work focuses on wind-induced vibrations in tall timber structures, 3D fiber orientation models, genetic selection for timber traits, and non-destructive evaluation of wood properties. Collaborations with international conferences (WCTE, ICEM) and institutions highlight her contributions to wood science and sustainable construction. Research Groups : Leads the Wood Building Technology group, emphasizing applied mechanics and industrialized timber construction.
Professor Sławomir Borysiak is a distinguished academic at Poznań University of Technology, where he serves as Head of the Polymer Department within the Faculty of Chemical Technology. With a career spanning over two decades, he earned his Master of Science in Engineering in 1996, PhD in Chemical Sciences in 2000, completed his habilitation in 2013, and achieved the rank of university professor in 2020. His work bridges academic research and industry applications, serving as Faculty Coordinator for Cooperation with Industry and as a member of the University Team for Cooperation with the Economy. Current Position: Professor, Head of Polymer Department Institution: Poznań University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology Scientific Disciplines: Chemical Sciences (75%), Materials Engineering (25%) ORCID: 0000-0003-3485-4787 Professor Borysiak's research focuses on the physicochemistry of polymers, plastics processing and recycling, and polymer composites containing renewable fillers of plant origin. His work extends to structural studies of low molecular weight compounds, minerals, polymers and nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on the functional properties of plastics and composite materials. His laboratory investigates innovative approaches to wood-polymer composites, nanocellulose applications, and sustainable material development. Analysis of Professor Borysiak's publication record reveals a strong focus on sustainable polymer composites, with particular emphasis on lignocellulosic materials, nanocellulose applications, and renewable fillers. His recent work shows increasing integration of nanotechnology with traditional polymer science, particularly in developing antimicrobial properties, enhanced mechanical characteristics, and improved sustainability profiles for polymer composites. The research spans fundamental material science to practical applications in construction, packaging, and biomedical fields. Professor Borysiak has received recognition through his appointment as Vice-Chairman of the University Disciplinary Committee for Doctoral Students and as a member of the Board of the Polish Chemical Society, Poznań Branch. He also serves on the Polish Society of Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis and the Awards Committee of the Polish Chemical Society. As an educator, Professor Borysiak has supervised multiple doctoral dissertations, including those of Majka Odalanowska (2023) and Aleksandra Grząbka-Zasadzińska (2017). His teaching portfolio includes courses on physicochemistry of polymers, composites, nanomaterials, polymer materials technology, and chemical technology. He maintains active scientific collaborations with institutions including University of Edinburgh, Institute of Molecular Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Casimir the Great University in Bydgoszcz, and several other Polish universities. His laboratory focuses on polymer research with particular expertise in wood-plastic composites, nanocellulose applications, and sustainable material development. Current projects involve developing antimicrobial polymer composites, enhancing material properties through novel hybrid fillers, and investigating the effects of various treatments on lignocellulosic materials.
Mari Lehtonen serves as a University Lecturer in Food Chemistry at the Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, a position she has held since April 2021. She also holds the Title of Docent (equivalent to Adjunct Professor) in Food Chemistry from the University of Helsinki, awarded in 2021. University Lecturer, Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki (2021-present) Post-doctoral researcher, Department of Food and Nutrition (2020-2021) Chemist, Finnish Environment Institute (2017-2020) Dr. Lehtonen earned her Doctor of Science in Food Chemistry from the University of Helsinki in 2012, where she was awarded the best doctoral thesis of the year 2012 in the ABS Graduate School. She also holds a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Helsinki (2004). Her research focuses on food chemistry with particular emphasis on chromatographic and separation techniques, food analysis, and bioactive compounds in food. Her work bridges analytical chemistry with practical food science applications, examining how chemical properties affect food quality, safety, and nutritional value. Recent publications reveal a growing interest in plant-based food components, particularly examining lignin nanoparticles, nanocellulose, and wood-derived compounds for food applications and environmental remediation. Dr. Lehtonen's publication record shows consistent scholarly output with multiple publications annually, demonstrating expertise in both fundamental food chemistry and applied research. Her recent work (2023-2025) increasingly explores sustainable food materials, particularly plant-based polymers and their applications in food systems and environmental contexts. The best doctoral thesis of the year 2012 in the ABS Graduate School (2013) Dr. Lehtonen has supervised 8 MSc theses and 3 BSc theses, in addition to research trainees. She has been involved in multiple research projects including FreshPack (Business Finland), BITE (Novel Biomass-based solutions for Technical Emulsions), WOOD-PRO (Valorization of wood biorefinery products), and WOODLIPS (Novel wood-derived emulsifiers). Her teaching portfolio includes FOOD-305 Chromatographic and Other Separation Techniques, FOOD-302 Research Methods, and ETK-225 Basic Food Analysis, demonstrating her commitment to training the next generation of food scientists. Her laboratory work appears to focus on food chemistry analysis, particularly utilizing chromatographic techniques to examine food components, with recent expansion into plant-based materials research as evidenced by her publications on lignin nanoparticles and wood-derived compounds.
Edwin B. Fisher, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health. He also serves as Global Director of Peers for Progress, a program promoting peer support in healthcare globally. His research focuses on chronic disease management, diabetes, cancer, mental health, and global health interventions. Fisher holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from SUNY (1972) and a BA in Psychology from Amherst College (1968). Key projects include the Diabetes Initiative of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2002-2009) and leadership roles in organizations like the Society of Behavioral Medicine. His work emphasizes peer support's role in improving health outcomes across diverse populations and diseases. Research spans asthma, cardiovascular disease, smoking cessation, and weight management, with publications on social support in oncology and global health strategies. He teaches Social and Peer Support in Health: An Ecological and Global Perspective , reflecting his commitment to integrating behavioral and public health approaches.
Anna Jarosz-Wilkołazka , Professor of Biological Sciences at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, is affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and leads research at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology . With expertise spanning fungal enzymes, microbial polymers, and biomaterial modification, her work bridges biochemistry, biotechnology, and environmental science. Current research focuses on biocatalysis in aqueous/non-aqueous systems , fungal enzyme applications (particularly laccases), and the characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from bacteria and algae for biosorption and bioflocculation. She has coordinated major research projects including "Modification of biopolymer materials with protease inhibitors" (NCN OPUS 13, 2017-2022) and "Oxalate oxidase in Abortiporus biennis" (NCN Opus 5, 2015-2019). Her recent publications (2016-2023) highlight advancements in fungal laccase immobilization for pollutant removal, EPS applications for heavy metal biosorption, and novel bioactive dyes. A 2023 study investigated oxalate oxidase sources in wood-rotting fungi, while 2020 work explored EPS from endophytic Fusarium culmorum strains affecting cereal crops. Earlier studies focused on lignin degradation mechanisms (2017) and EPS-driven biomineralization (2016). As a scientific supervisor, she has guided NCN projects on Rhodococcus opacus EPS properties (2016-2021) and fungal enzyme immobilization techniques (2015-2018). She actively participates in science outreach through initiatives like the Mobile Science Festival and Design Thinking Week under Erasmus+.
Professor T. Max Friesen is a leading Arctic archaeologist at the University of Toronto's Department of Anthropology , specializing in prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies, zooarchaeology, and climate change impacts on cultural heritage. His research spans 5,000 years of Arctic history, focusing on the Canadian Arctic regions of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories through collaborations with northern communities. Education: PhD in Archaeology from McGill University (1995) Research Interests include: Prehistoric Arctic migrations (Paleo-Inuit, Thule) and their technological adaptations Zooarchaeological analysis of animal bones from sites like Bell and Pembroke Climate change effects on archaeological preservation in permafrost regions Thule-Inuit cultural evolution and subsistence economies Community-based archaeology and heritage conservation His 15 most recent publications (2000-2018) demonstrate expertise in Arctic colonization dynamics, 3D documentation of endangered sites, and interdisciplinary studies of host-pathogen relationships through HBV subgenotype B5 research. Key projects include the Arctic CHAR initiative for climate change mitigation and comparative studies of Dorset vs. Thule hunting technologies. Scientific Contributions: Coined terminology standardization for Arctic archaeological traditions Developed frameworks for understanding Inuvialuit interregional interaction Advanced 3D recording methods for rapidly deteriorating Arctic sites Reconstructed millennial-scale caribou drive system evolution Advising: Actively mentors graduate students in Arctic archaeology with fieldwork opportunities in Nunavut and the Mackenzie Delta. Collaborates with Kitikmeot Heritage Society and international researchers on heritage preservation.
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.
Martin Riegler is a researcher at the Institute of Physics and Materials Science , part of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work focuses on advanced material analysis and sustainable construction within the wood technology sector. Specializes in electrical resistivity measurements of wood Applies machine learning to wood machining acoustics Studies adhesive bondlines modified with carbon fillers Investigates moisture dynamics in wood Recent publications highlight his contributions to smart wood composites , non-invasive testing , and machine learning applications in wood processing. He has presented research at international conferences and collaborated with institutions like the Northern European Network for Wood Science and Engineering. Riegler's work intersects with Materials Science , Wood Technology , and Sustainable Engineering , particularly in optimizing particleboard production and wood moisture prediction . His research spans technical innovation and environmental stewardship in forestry applications.
Souvik Ray is a Researcher at Linnaeus University's Department of Forestry and Wood Technology within the Faculty of Technology. He actively contributes to the Forest Products research group and collaborates with industry partners through The Bridge initiative (Södra, IKEA, Linnaeus University partnership). Focuses on wood-adhesive interactions for durable bonding Specializes in bioprospecting of forest-derived materials Works on sustainable wood preservation techniques Investigates enzymatic and dielectric wood modification His research particularly examines species like Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders) and Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber Wood), with recent publications analyzing chemical profiles of Santalum album and bamboo preservation techniques. Current projects focus on understanding adhesive interactions in solid wood applications, aiming to develop long-term bonding solutions through material science approaches.
Miia Mäkelä is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University, specializing in fungal enzyme systems and plant biomass conversion. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of fungal carbon metabolism, particularly in Aspergillus species and white-rot fungi like Dichomitus squalens. Her research interests span fungal carbon metabolism, enzyme technology for biorefinery applications, lignin degradation pathways, and fungal genomics. Dr. Mäkelä's work bridges fundamental fungal physiology with biotechnological applications, particularly in developing efficient enzyme systems for plant biomass conversion. She investigates how fungi adapt their enzyme production to different carbon sources, with emphasis on carbohydrate-active enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation. Analysis of Dr. Mäkelä's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on fungal metabolism of plant biomass components, particularly sugar transporters, reductases, and dehydrogenases in Aspergillus species. Her work combines genomic, transcriptomic, and biochemical approaches to understand fungal adaptation to different carbon sources, with applications in biorefinery processes. A significant portion of her research explores the complex regulatory networks controlling plant biomass degradation in fungi. Dr. Mäkelä has established extensive collaborations, particularly with Ronald P. de Vries and other international researchers in fungal biotechnology. Her work appears in high-impact journals across microbiology, biotechnology, and biochemistry. Her research group maintains strong focus on both fundamental fungal physiology and practical applications in biorefinery processes. Current work includes enzyme discovery through genomic approaches, metabolic engineering of fungal cell factories, and development of efficient systems for lignocellulose conversion.
