Harper Adams welcomes fermentation expert

Posted 14 October 2013

Harper Adams University has welcomed international scientist, Professor Mike Theodorou, to the post of Professor of Anaerobic Digestion and Fermentation Technology.

Professor Theodorou is internationally renowned for his pioneering work in  anaerobic microbiology and the role of plant biomass in rumen function.

Already a Visiting Chair in the Chemistry Department at the University of Durham, Professor Theodorou will lead the developing portfolio of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.

Existing research funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) that investigates the development of silage making techniques to advance the use of seaweed as a sustainable biomass fuel, will continue. 

Professor Theodorou, who collaborates with MIT and the University of California, Santa Barbara, said: “I’m delighted to accept this appointment at Harper Adams University. 

“Waste management across the agri-food supply chain is essential if we are to reduce landfill and delay the rate of consumption of natural resources.

“Anaerobic digestion  of biodegradable materials to produce fertilizers and fuels is an area that the university has a key role to play and I’m pleased to be part of this development. 

“Moreover, for my EPSRC work, the prospect of applying the wealth of experience integral to the agricultural community at Harper Adams and using it to make seaweed silage for aquaculture is one that I look forward to greatly.”

Commenting on the appointment, Professor Peter Mills, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are fortunate to have attracted yet another international scientist to join the research activity at Harper Adams.

“Professor Theodorou’s expertise in anaerobic microbiology, coupled with our AD facilities, provide a compelling combination of resources to facilitate research on sustainable energy at the university.”

Professor Theodorou holds a PhD in Biochemical Plant Pathology from Imperial College London and a First Class BSc in Microbiology from the University of London.

He has held many prestigious academic posts and has led a distinguished career in strategic and applied research and research management.

His scientific career includes research management and leadership at BBSRC institute level; 12 years as department head at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER). He has also worked as head of Science Development at Aberystwyth University and has spent two years in Biological and Biomedical Science at Durham as a Visiting Professor in Industrial Biotechnology.