Heribert Insam

After completing his PhD at the University of Innsbruck in 1985, Heribert embarked on a career that initially focused on soil organic carbon dynamics and climate change, working Braunschweig, Germany, and Calgary, Canada. In addition, he engaged in side-projects involving coal mine restoration tasks in Germany and forest revitalization projects in China, later extending these efforts to Austria. Where in 2091 he assumed the role of Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck. His research then took a shift towards the microbiology of composting and he founded his working group Microbial Resource Management.

Continuing his academic trajectory, from 2005 to 2007, Heribert served as the Head of the Research Studio Austria’s Studio BioTreaT. In 2006, he initiated work on Anaerobic Digestion and co-founded two companies, Bio4Gas and BioTreaT, specializing in Biological Treatment and Recycling Technologies. After he was appointed Full Professor in 2011 he for 10 years headed the Department of Microbiology and was Speaker of the Center for Environmental Science and Biotechnology. His research expanded to include diverse areas such as the microbiome of the Black Soldier Fly and Wastewater Treatment. Notably, in 2020, he took on the responsibility of establishing the nationwide SARS-CoV-Wastewater monitoring initiative.

Throughout his career, Heribert demonstrated a commitment to mentorship, supervising over 70 Master’s and 15 PhD Theses. His editorial contributions include serving as Editor of four books published by Springer, such as “Microbial Communities: Functional versus Structural Approaches” [1997] and “Recycling of Biomass Ashes” [2012]. Additionally, he held the role of Editor-in-Chief for the journals Geoderma and Applied Soil Ecology for more than 20 years. Beyond his primary affiliations, Heribert engaged in international collaborations in countries like Argentina, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Italy, and México.

Post-retirement from the university in 2023, Heribert has actively participated in Science Communication, particularly in the development of a Science Center called MikroMondo. This center aims to showcase the captivating world of microbes to the public, further emphasizing Heribert’s enduring commitment to advancing microbiology in conjunction with the arts.