University of Graz
The University of Graz (UniGraz), founded in 1585 by Emperor Rudolph II, is one of Austria’s largest and most prestigious research institutions. With a rich history that includes six Nobel laureates, UniGraz continues to be a hub of academic excellence. Today, it is home to approximately 32,000 students and 4,200 employees, making significant contributions to the economic and social life of Graz, the capital of Styria.
UniGraz is represented in RE-Fibre through two institutes: the Institute of Chemistry, the Renewable Resources and Organic Chemistry unit headed by Prof. Katalin Barta, and the Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation, and Sustainability Research (SIS), directed by Prof. Tobias Stern. Prof. Barta’s work focuses on the catalytic conversion of renewable resources, adhering to green chemistry principles. Her team specializes in developing novel catalytic methods, lignin chemistry, and biorefinery processes. Prof. Stern’s research focuses on sustainability transitions, analyzing innovation, adaptation, and regulatory strategies within human-environment systems, with a particular focus on firms and regions.
As the coordinator of RE-Fibre, UniGraz is responsible for Coordination and Project Management (WP7) and leads the Material Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (WP4).