Prof. Jo De Vrieze is associate professor within the Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering of Ghent University. Through his double expertise in molecular techniques and process engineering, both his research and education focus on microbial ecology of engineered microbial processes.

The central aim of his research is to achieve organic and inorganic waste valorisation through the development of novel tools and methods based on microbial principles and technologies, and bring selected strategies from lab-scale fundamental “proofs of principle” to reliable full-scale technological applications. Central to his research are microbial 3D entities in which he (1) focuses on better understanding of their microbial and physicochemical structure, and (2) aims towards direct engineering and steering for specific products and services.

More concretely, his research interests are targeted towards anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment and valorization, sulphate reduction and microbial granulation. Prof. De Vrieze has ample experience in working in different types of projects, both fundamental and applied, in several cases in collaboration with industrial partners.