Prof. Birgitte Ahring | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Professor ,Washington State University ,United States

Dr. Birgitte Kiær Ahring is a distinguished global expert in biofuels, renewable energy, and clean technologies. Currently a Professor at Washington State University (WSU) and Head of the BioScience & Technology Group at the Bioproducts, Science & Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), she has led pioneering research in cellulosic ethanol, biogas, and renewable natural gas. With a career spanning decades, she has held prominent roles across academia, industry, and policy—including as founder of BioGasol Aps and advisor to international organizations such as the UNDP and World Bank. Dr. Ahring’s leadership in Denmark and the U.S. has driven the advancement of sustainable energy systems globally. Her commitment to translating science into practice has earned her numerous accolades, including Washington State’s Research Excellence Award and a gubernatorial honor as “Washingtonian for the Day.” With over 555 scientific contributions and 11 patents, she remains a driving force in the bioeconomy and environmental innovation.

Professional Profile

orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Birgitte Kiær Ahring holds a Ph.D. in a life sciences field related to biotechnology or bioengineering, though her exact alma mater and thesis details are not listed. Her academic trajectory is rooted in biotechnology and chemical/biological engineering, fields that underpin her extensive contributions to renewable energy and clean technologies. Her foundational education laid the groundwork for a multifaceted career that bridges science, engineering, policy, and industrial application. She has also been involved in academic leadership and curriculum development through professorships at institutions such as the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Washington State University. Her interdisciplinary background and international engagements—ranging from Denmark to the U.S., and from Africa to Asia—reflect a rich academic foundation and lifelong commitment to sustainable energy research and education.

💼 Experience

Dr. Ahring’s professional journey reflects over three decades of leadership in biotechnology and renewable energy. Since 2008, she has served as Professor at WSU and previously directed the BSEL, where she established state-of-the-art research facilities. She founded and led BioGasol Aps and was CEO of the Maxifuel Pilot Plant in Denmark. From 2002–2008, she led the Danish Centre for Biofuels and BST division at DTU. At UCLA, she served as Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her governmental and advisory roles include being a Board Member of Energinet.dk and a consultant to USDA and multiple UN agencies. She has contributed to renewable energy implementation across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. She continues to advise research campaigns and editorial boards internationally. Through this experience, she has merged policy, practice, and research into a cohesive and influential professional impact.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Birgitte Ahring has earned numerous prestigious awards that honor her transformative research and global influence in bioengineering. In 2008, she received the Washington State Star Researcher Award valued at $2.5 million for excellence in renewable energy innovation. In 2021, she was recognized with the WSU Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Excellence Award. She was named “Washingtonian for the Day” by Governor Jay Inslee in 2022, acknowledging her service to the state’s clean energy transition. In 2023, she received the Anjan Boise Outstanding Research Award, and in 2024, she earned WSU’s Research Excellence Award. These accolades reflect her leadership in scientific discovery, commercialization, and sustainability-focused innovation. Additionally, her numerous editorial and board appointments in academia and industry further affirm her authority in the global bioeconomy and her role as a mentor and policy influencer.

🔍 Research Focus

Prof. Ahring’s research centers on clean technology for biofuels, biochemicals, and renewable natural gas (RNG). She is a world leader in cellulosic ethanol production, thermophilic anaerobic digestion, and advanced wet oxidation (AWOEx) pretreatment technologies. Her work explores the decarbonization of energy systems through biological and chemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, waste feedstocks, and CO₂ into fuels and valuable bio-products. She is especially focused on microbial consortia engineering and syngas fermentation to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and medium-chain volatile fatty acids. She has significantly advanced microbial hydrogen kinetics and homoacetogenesis, aiming to optimize the energy yields and carbon efficiencies in bioreactors. Her integrated approach—spanning lab research, pilot plants, and industrial applications—bridges science, engineering, and policy. Through over 555 publications and collaborative global research, Prof. Ahring is reshaping bioresource technology and offering scalable solutions for climate-resilient energy systems.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Membrane Technologies for Separating Volatile Fatty Acids Produced Through Arrested Anaerobic Digestion: A Review

Journal: Clean Technologies, June 2025
Authors: Angana Chaudhuri, Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring
Summary:
This review explores state-of-the-art membrane-based separation technologies for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from arrested anaerobic digestion. It emphasizes operational efficiency, selectivity, and integration potential in biorefineries, highlighting nanofiltration, pervaporation, and forward osmosis as promising routes for sustainable VFA recovery.

Advancing Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Corn Whole Stillage: Lignocellulose Decomposition and Microbial Community Characterization

Journal: Fermentation, June 2024
Authors: Alnour Bokhary, Fuad Ale, Richard Garrison, Birgitte K. Ahring
Summary:
The study investigates thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of corn whole stillage, focusing on lignocellulosic breakdown and microbial dynamics. It reveals enhanced methane yield and stable digestion due to synergistic microbial interactions, underlining the importance of community structure in optimizing AD processes.

Acetate Production by Moorella thermoacetica via Syngas Fermentation: Effect of Yeast Extract and Syngas Composition

Journal: Fermentation, September 2023
Authors: Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring
Summary:
This paper examines acetate production from syngas using Moorella thermoacetica. It discusses how varying yeast extract concentrations and syngas composition affect yields, emphasizing the role of nutrient balance and gas ratios in optimizing microbial fermentation for bio-based acetic acid.

Enhancing Acetic Acid Production in In Vitro Rumen Cultures by Addition of a Homoacetogenic Consortia from a Kangaroo

Journal: Fermentation, September 2023
Authors: Renan Stefanini Lopes, Birgitte K. Ahring
Summary:
Innovative research demonstrating the enhancement of acetic acid production in rumen cultures by adding kangaroo-derived homoacetogens. The study also investigates methanogen inhibition and almond biochar’s role in altering fermentation profiles, suggesting applications in livestock and bioenergy.

Acetate Production from Syngas Produced from Lignocellulosic Biomass Materials along with Gaseous Fermentation of the Syngas: A Review

Journal: Microorganisms, April 2023
Authors: Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring
Summary:
This comprehensive review analyzes the full cycle of acetate production from biomass-derived syngas. It discusses gasification parameters, microbial strain selection, and bioreactor design, proposing integrated systems for sustainable acetate generation from lignocellulosic residues.

Conclusion

Engineering Award, Technology Award, Best Engineering Award, Global Technology Award, Engineering Innovation Award, Technology Excellence Award, Emerging Engineer Award, Tech Pioneer Award, Digital Engineering Award, STEM Innovation Award, Engineering and Technology Recognition, Academic Technology Award, Young Engineer Award, Women in Engineering Award, Smart Tech Award, Mechanical Engineering Award, Electrical Engineering Award, Civil Engineering Award, Software Engineering Award, Engineering Leadership Award, AI Technology Award, Robotics Award, Engineering Design Award, Sustainable Engineering Award, Innovative Engineer Award, Best Technologist Award, Engineering R&D Award, Engineering Educator Award, Future Tech Award, Engineering Breakthrough Award, Global Engineering Talent Award, Tech Achievement Award, Industry Technology Award, Next Gen Engineering Award, Excellence in Technology Award, Engineering Startup Award, Engineering Invention Award, Engineering Visionary Award, Lifetime Achievement in Engineering Award, Engineering and Technology Research Award

Mr. Wubin Wang | Transportation Geotechnics Award | Best Researcher Award

Civil Engineering Lab Technician, Southwest Jiaotong University, China

Wubin Wang is a dedicated civil engineering lab technician at Southwest Jiaotong University. His primary focus is on the research and development of new maglev subgrade structures, subgrade dynamics, and intelligent transportation systems. With a robust portfolio of leading or participating in 10 research projects, Wang has made significant contributions to his field, evident in his numerous publications in esteemed journals such as Transportation Geotechnics and Railway Engineering Science.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Wubin Wang has built a strong educational foundation in civil engineering, equipping him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his research endeavors. His academic journey has been marked by continuous learning and development, preparing him to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Experience 🛠️

With extensive experience as a civil engineering lab technician, Wubin Wang has played a crucial role in various research projects. His expertise in subgrade dynamics and intelligent transportation systems has led to innovative advancements in maglev subgrade structures. Wang’s practical experience is complemented by his active participation in collaborative projects with industry leaders such as the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

Research Interests 🔍

Wubin Wang’s research interests lie at the intersection of civil engineering and transportation technology. He is particularly focused on the development of new maglev subgrade structures, understanding subgrade dynamics, and advancing intelligent transportation systems. His work aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of transportation infrastructure.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Wubin Wang’s contributions to civil engineering have been acknowledged through various accolades and nominations. His innovative research on MLS maglev subgrades, which offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, has earned him a nomination for the prestigious Popular Engineer Awards.

Publications 📚

Experimental Study on the Dynamic Behavior of a New Medium–Low-Speed Maglev Subgrade Structure (2024) – Available at SSRN 4737335, Corresponding author Link
- Cited by: Various research articles focusing on maglev subgrade dynamics.
A Novel Method for Full-Section Assessment of High-Speed Railway Subgrade Compaction Quality Based on ML-Interval Prediction Theory (2024) – Sensors, 24(11), 3661, Corresponding author Link
- Cited by: Studies on railway subgrade assessment and ML applications in civil engineering.
Physical Modeling of Long-Term Dynamic Characteristics of the Subgrade for Medium–Low-Speed Maglevs (2023) – Railway Engineering Science, 31(3), 293-308, Corresponding author Link
- Cited by: Research on dynamic characteristics of subgrade structures.
Numerical Analysis of Subgrade Behavior under a Dynamic Maglev Train Load (2022) – Advances in Civil Engineering, 2022(1), 2014376 Link
- Cited by: Papers on dynamic load effects in civil engineering.
In Situ Experimental Study of Natural Diatomaceous Earth Slopes under Alternating Dry and Wet Conditions (2022) – Water, 14(5), 831 Link
- Cited by: Articles focusing on soil behavior and environmental conditions.
Analysis of Behaviors of the Railway Subgrade with a New Waterproof Seal Layer (2022) – Materials, 15(3), 1180 Link
- Cited by: Research on waterproofing in civil engineering materials

Birgitte Ahring | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award