TUBAF professors Sabrina Hedrich and Olena Volkova were accepted as new members of the mathematical, natural and technical sciences and engineering class at the public spring meeting of the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Leipzig.
"Being elected to the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities is a great honour. I look forward to working with colleagues from different disciplines to further advance interdisciplinary research in Saxony and open up new perspectives for scientific exchange and the promotion of young talent," says Professor Sabrina Hedrich. She has been Professor of Microbiology and Biohydrometallurgy at TU Bergakademie Freiberg since 2020. Hedrich is investigating how metals can be extracted from ore, industrial residues and water influenced by mining using bacteria. In particular, she is researching bioleaching processes for primary and secondary raw materials as well as the biological treatment of mining wastewater: "Our research shows that microorganisms contribute to the resource-saving extraction of raw materials and water treatment. Using biotechnological processes, we can (re)recover metals and sustainably reduce environmental pollution. In this way, we not only contribute to securing raw materials, but also to protecting sensitive ecosystems in mining regions."
"It is an honour for me to become a member of the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig. This is a great recognition of my achievements," confirms Professor Olena Volkova. The expert in iron and steel technology has been teaching and researching at TU Bergakademie Freiberg since 2015: "Steel, which is the focus of ferrous metallurgy, is and will remain one of the most important construction materials in the future with growing requirements in the field of manufacturing and processing technologies, making it a central research focus for sustainable materials development."
More excellent TUBAF researchers at the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Admission to the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Leipzig (SAW) is a high academic honour. Nationally and internationally recognised researchers who have contributed to a significant expansion of knowledge in their field are admitted. Self-application is not possible.
Other full members of the Academy who teach and conduct research at TU Bergakademie Freiberg are (in alphabetical order) Prof Christos Aneziris, Prof Martin Bertau, Prof Horst Biermann, Prof Carsten Drebenstedt, Prof Bernd Meyer, Prof Dirk C. Meyer, Prof Henning Zeidler.
About the SAW
The Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig is a scholarly society with a long tradition, with full members from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia and corresponding members worldwide. It focusses on overall scientific developments and provides impetus for new research questions. The academy is an important interdisciplinary platform for top researchers and facilitates the exchange of experience and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.