Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger is a highly accomplished researcher with extensive expertise in algae biotechnology, making her a strong candidate for the Best Scholar Award. As the Head of the Algae Biotechnology Group at the Fraunhofer IGB for over 25 years, she has led groundbreaking research in microalgae biomass production, photobioreactor development, nutrient recycling, and the extraction of valuable compounds like lipids and carotenoids. Her work bridges sustainable innovation and industrial application, addressing global challenges in energy, waste management, and resource efficiency. A member of the European Algae Biomass Association’s scientific committee, she actively contributes to advancing the field across Europe. While her leadership and applied research are outstanding, additional emphasis on mentorship, global outreach, and quantitative research metrics could further enhance her profile. Overall, Dr. Schmid-Staiger’s sustained contributions and leadership in biotechnology position her as a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger holds a diploma in biology and a PhD in natural sciences/biotechnology, with a specialization in biological process development. Her early research focused on xylose fermentation with thermophilic bacteria at the Research Center of Jülich. Since 1988, she has been a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1997, she became the group leader of the Algae Biotechnology Group, which has focused on the development of processes for microalgae biomass production. Her research includes innovations in photobioreactor technology, nutrient recycling from anaerobic digestion, and bioprospecting of algae for valuable bioactive compounds. Dr. Schmid-Staiger’s work has made significant contributions to the field of industrial biotechnology, particularly in the areas of sustainable algae cultivation and biomass utilization, demonstrating her long-term dedication to both academic and applied research in the field.
Professional Experience
Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger has had a distinguished professional career spanning several decades in the field of industrial biotechnology. She began her research at the Research Center of Jülich, focusing on xylose fermentation with thermophilic bacteria, before joining the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart in 1988. Over the years, she contributed to diverse research topics such as comparative antibiotic fermentations, wastewater treatment, and anaerobic digestion. In 1997, Dr. Schmid-Staiger became the head of the Algae Biotechnology Group at Fraunhofer IGB, where she led pioneering work on microalgae biomass production, particularly in the development of photobioreactors and processes for mass cultivation. Her research also covers closed-loop recycling of nutrients and CO2, as well as the extraction of valuable algae-derived compounds like lipids and carotenoids. Throughout her career, Dr. Schmid-Staiger has driven forward both fundamental and applied research with significant contributions to sustainable biotechnological processes.
Research Interest
Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger’s research interests are centered around the field of algae https://composite-materials-conferences.sciencefather.com/ulrike-schmid-staiger-testing-best-scholar-award-9971/biotechnology, with a particular focus on developing innovative processes for the sustainable production of microalgae and cyanobacteria. She has made significant contributions to the development of photoautotrophic processes for algae cultivation, optimizing photobioreactors for mass-scale production, and integrating control and automation systems for efficient algal growth. Her work also explores the closed-loop recycling of nutrients and CO2, utilizing waste streams from anaerobic digestion plants to enhance sustainability. Additionally, Dr. Schmid-Staiger is dedicated to bioprospecting microalgae and cyanobacteria for the extraction of valuable bioactive compounds, such as lipids, carotenoids, and proteins, using advanced techniques like supercritical fluid extraction and pressurized liquid extraction. Her research aims to advance both the environmental and industrial applications of algae-based solutions, particularly in the realms of energy, materials, and waste management.
Award and Honor
Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger’s extensive career in algae biotechnology has earned her recognition and respect within the scientific and industrial communities. She has been an active member of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA), contributing to its scientific committee, which highlights her influence in advancing algae-related research at the European level. Although specific awards or honors are not listed in her CV, her leadership in the Algae Biotechnology Group at Fraunhofer IGB, along with her pioneering work in the field of microalgae biomass production and sustainable biotechnological processes, showcases the high regard in which she is held. Her contributions to environmental sustainability, resource recovery, and the development of algae-based technologies continue to shape the future of industrial biotechnology.
Conclusion
Dr. Ulrike Schmid-Staiger’s extensive career in algae https://composite-materials-conferences.sciencefather.com/ulrike-schmid-staiger-testing-best-scholar-award-9971/biotechnology has earned her recognition and respect within the scientific and industrial communities. She has been an active member of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA), contributing to its scientific committee, which highlights her influence in advancing algae-related research at the European level. Although specific awards or honors are not listed in her CV, her leadership in the Algae Biotechnology Group at Fraunhofer IGB, along with her pioneering work in the field of microalgae biomass production and sustainable biotechnological processes, showcases the high regard in which she is held. Her contributions to environmental sustainability, resource recovery, and the development of algae-based technologies continue to shape the future of industrial biotechnology.
Publications Top Noted
- Flavor-boosting of Phaeodactylum tricornutum by fermentation with edible mushrooms
Authors: Rigling, M., Liang, J., Entenmann, I., Bischoff, S.C., Zhang, Y.
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
Citation: 0
- Monodopsis subterranea is a source of α-tocomonoenol, and its concentration, in contrast to α-tocopherol, is not affected by nitrogen depletion
Authors: Montoya-Arroyo, A., Muñoz-González, A., Lehnert, K., Vetter, W., Frank, J.
Year: 2024
Journal: Food Science and Nutrition
Citation: 2
- Improving Determination of Pigment Contents in Microalgae Suspension with Absorption Spectroscopy: Light Scattering Effect and Bouguer–Lambert–Beer Law
Authors: Yeh, Y.-C., Ebbing, T., Frick, K., Haasdonk, B., Tovar, G.E.M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Marine Drugs
Citation: 3
- Improving microalgae growth modeling of outdoor cultivation with light history data using machine learning models: A comparative study
Authors: Yeh, Y.-C., Syed, T., Brinitzer, G., Mädler, J., Urbas, L.
Year: 2023
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Citation: 9
- Beta-glucan production of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Monodopsis subterranea and Cylindrotheca fusiformis during nitrogen depletion
Authors: Frick, K., Ebbing, T., Yeh, Y.-C., Schmid-Staiger, U., Tovar, G.E.M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Applied Phycology
Citation: 4
- Influence of light conditions on the production of chrysolaminarin using Phaeodactylum tricornutum in artificially illuminated photobioreactors
Authors: Frick, K., Ebbing, T., Yeh, Y.-C., Schmid-Staiger, U., Tovar, G.E.M.
Year: 2023
Journal: MicrobiologyOpen
Citation: 0
- Influence of specific light availability and solvent on process economics — The production of fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid from P. tricornutum using flat-panel airlift photobioreactors with artificial light
Authors: Weickert, S., Schmid-Staiger, U., Lewandowski, I.
Year: 2023
Journal: Algal Research
Citation: 0
- Comparing three different Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains for the production of chrysolaminarin in flat panel airlift photobioreactors
Authors: Frick, K., Yeh, Y.-C., Schmid-Staiger, U., Tovar, G.E.M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Applied Phycology
Citation: 4
- A novel model extended from the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law can describe the non-linear absorbance of potassium dichromate solutions and microalgae suspensions
Authors: Yeh, Y.-C., Haasdonk, B., Schmid-Staiger, U., Stier, M., Tovar, G.E.M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Citation: 10
- Potentially Beneficial Effects on Healthy Aging by Supplementation of the EPA-Rich Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum or Its Supernatant—A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Stiefvatter, L., Frick, K., Lehnert, K., Schmid-Staiger, U., Bischoff, S.C.
Year: 2022
Journal: Marine Drugs
Citation: 11