Michael Sauer

Michael SAUER is Head of Biotechnology at OMV AG in Vienna, which is an international energy and chemicals provider. Before, he has been Associated Professor at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology of BOKU University, Vienna. His research aims at microbial production of base chemicals from renewable resources. Metabolic engineering and bioprocess engineering are combined to provide microbial processes of industrial relevance. One focus is on the characterization and optimization of natural producers, exploiting natural diversity. A second line of research is dedicated to the development of synthetic tools aiding metabolic engineering approaches with a focus on microbial transport processes. Michael Sauer has a habilitation in Industrial Microbiology (BOKU), a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Vienna) and is a Biotechnologist by training (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zürich).

Tentative Title:

Microorganisms and the carbon and energy for the future

Session/panel summary and proposed speakers:

As society seeks to decouple carbon-based material supply from fossil resources, microbial conversion of renewable and recycled feedstocks emerges as a promising solution for circular, low-carbon economies. This session invites abstracts that bridge the gap between advanced metabolic engineering and industrial-scale resource valorisation. We welcome contributions on the use of diverse feedstocks for bioproductions, including second generation feedstocks, e.g. lignocellulosic sugars, organic and plastic waste, and third generation feedstocks (CO₂-based). All microbial systems, from natural cell factories to engineered consortia are of interest. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative performance, techno-economic analysis, and realistic pathways to scale. By fostering cross-comparison of organisms, substrates, and process concepts, this session aims to define research priorities and accelerate the transition from laboratory innovation to economically viable biotechnologies. Join us to share fresh perspectives and help shape the future of microbial carbon valorisation.

Invited speaker: 

Dr. Steffen Lindner-Mehlich, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Labor “Biochemie und Systembiologie des Stoffwechsels”

Pillar and Topic/Subtopic:

PILLAR 3: INNOVATIVE BIOTECH & INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

3.1: Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology

3.1B Advanced Industrial Microbiology: Bioproductions, Bioconversions and Fermentations