Falko Matthes received a degree in biology (Diplom) from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. After his doctor’s thesis on a human genetic topic, at the University Medical Center Göttingen he played a part in explaining the causes of cardiovascular diseases.

“In several projects at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research in Gatersleben, I have most recently used yeast and bacteria to synthesise plastics and other key chemical components. In these processes, fossil raw materials are replaced by renewable ones – even industrial waste products can be used. Such experiences show that in an age of increasing resource scarcity, new approaches can be conceived of, discussed, and implemented. I would like to include the concept of sustainability in working with the students without limiting their creativity as they explore and work with the microorganisms and materials in BioLab.”