Profile

I worked on microbial and environmental engineering for the last 30 years in different Institutions in the UK and abroad: De Montfort in Leicester, Cranfield, Stirling, Exeter and the University of Milan (Italy). My major contributions relate to the delivery of the next generation biotechnological processes that combine protection and production for a more circular bioeconomy, such as bioremediation and high-value products and energy from waste (e.g. anaerobic digestion). This is achieved by understanding the common science in the two areas (protection and production) on how to control and enhance specific functions of microbial communities by manipulating operative conditions to increase process yields and stability, with increasing emphasis on the concept of the “waste biorefinery”.

I have published over 100 research papers, books and conference proceedings with substantive contributions to waste biotransformations, bioremediation and anaerobic digestion. I am also highly active in outreach and science communication; I advised the Museum of London on the science behind fatberg formation. Resulting media coverage included a Museum of London video, a ‘New Scientist LIVE’ presentation at the O2 in London and appearances in two Channel 4’s documentaries: (1) “Fatberg autopsy: secrets of the sewers” and (2) ‘Food Unwrapped’.