A major success for Anhalt University of Applied Sciences: Prof. Dr. Claudia Grewe from the Department of Applied Biosciences and Process Engineering has been awarded third place in the State of Saxony-Anhalt’s Hugo Junkers Prize for Research and Innovation. In the category “Most Innovative Basic Research Projects,” she impressed the jury with her project “Development of a Moss Photobioreactor for Seed Production on Re-wetlanded Peatlands.” This recognized her research on the large-scale propagation of peat mosses for use in rewetted bogs.
Bogs are among the most important natural carbon sinks. When they are drained, they release large amounts of greenhouse gases. The rewetting of bog areas is therefore considered an important contribution to climate protection. Sphagnum mosses play a central role in this process, as they form the basis for the formation of new peat. This is precisely where Prof. Dr. Claudia Grewe’s “MoosStart” research project comes in. Together with her team, she is developing methods to propagate sphagnum mosses under controlled conditions in the laboratory and later on a larger scale. The goal is to provide sufficient high-quality seed for the revegetation of rewetted peatlands.
The President of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Jörg Bagdahn, said: “This award demonstrates how important science and research are for the major challenges of our time. Climate protection can only succeed if we think outside the box and develop sustainable solutions that can also be implemented in practice. Professor Grewe and her team are helping to bring natural climate protectors like bogs back into the spotlight while simultaneously creating opportunities for sustainable use. I would also like to congratulate the second team from our university. It was nominated for the special prize “Adaptation to Climate Change” with its ‘biodiversity-friendly agri-photovoltaic system.’ With two nominations and a spot on the podium, this is a strong result for the applied research at our university and in the state.
For her research, the process engineer draws on experience from algal biotechnology. The project involves developing specialized photobioreactors in which peat mosses can be efficiently propagated. The aim is to create the prerequisites necessary to renature peatlands more quickly and, in the long term, reduce the use of peat in horticulture.
The Hugo Junkers Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for research and innovation in Saxony-Anhalt. It honors outstanding scientific achievements and innovative developments that contribute to the state’s economic and social development.
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Dr. Claudia Grewe and her research team on this award.
Those interested can find more information about the project at: https://www.hs-anhalt.de/hochschule-anhalt/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilungen-2017.html
