Professor in biotechnology at University of Tübingen, Lars Angenent has been awarded the Leibniz Prize by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) German Research Foundationerman Research Foundation in appreciation of his outstanding work in the field of environmental biotechnology, it was announced in Bonn on Thursday. The DFG said:

"In view of climate change and the resulting need to develop a sustainable food, chemistry and energy economy, his work is highly relevant.“

The prestigious Leibniz Prize is honoring the professor's outstanding work in the field of environmental biotechnology developing innovative io-processes for the conversion of organic waste and industrial waste gas into renewable fuels, green chemicals and sustainable foodstuffs. For example, using recycled carbon dioxide he produces edible proteins that can be used as a meat substitute. 

In another of his research projects, Dr. Angenent “feeds” carbon dioxide and hydrogen to microbes, thereby producing methane which can be passed into the gas network. The energy needed for this comes from sustainable sources such as wind power. If used at an industrial level this could eventually reduce the CO₂ content of the atmosphere. Lars Angenent has already tested the process with the start-up, Electrochaea, whichhe co-founded.

Lars Angenent is also affiliated with the department of Bio and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University.

>> Read the full press release from University of Tübingen here