Barbara Sturm

Barbara Sturm has extensive work experience in the fields of agricultural engineering, bioeconomy, and thermal science. Barbara currently holds the position of Scientific Director at the Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), where they lead research and technology development related to bioeconomy. In addition, they serve as the President of the European Society for Agricultural Engineers, where they work towards the advancement and improvement of sustainable biological production and food systems.

Barbara Sturm has also worked at Elsevier, where they served as the Editor-In-Chief, Executive Editor, and Associate Editor for Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP). TSEP publishes research articles that focus on maximizing thermodynamic efficiencies, minimizing heat losses, and addressing the challenges of global warming and smart cities.

Barbara has held various positions at the University of Kassel, including Associate Professor, Head of Process and Systems Engineering in Agriculture, Assistant Professor, and Head of Postharvest Technologies and Processing Group. In these roles, they worked on projects related to process analysis and optimization, measurement and control systems for food processing, and integration of renewable energy sources.

Barbara Sturm has also contributed to the field of energy through their roles at the Energy Institute, where they served as the Chair and Vice Chair. The Energy Institute is a professional body for the energy industry, supporting individuals and companies working in the sector.

Additionally, Barbara Sturm has held positions at Newcastle University, where they worked as a Senior Research Associate and Thermal Energy Management Coordinator. Barbara conducted research on energy and process efficiency in producing industries, with a focus on food manufacturing. Barbara also managed international projects on energy efficiency and renewable energy integration.

Barbara Sturm's academic career includes a professorship for Agricultural Engineering in Bioeconomic Systems at Humboldt University of Berlin and a lecturer position at the University of Applied Sciences Fulda.

Barbara also serves as the Vice President of the Leibniz Association, which connects independent research institutions and addresses issues of social, economic, and ecological relevance.

Throughout their career, Barbara Sturm has demonstrated a strong expertise in agricultural engineering, bioeconomy, and thermal science, and has made notable contributions to research, academia, and professional organizations.

Barbara Sturm's education history is as follows:

Barbara obtained their Habilitation degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kassel in 2018. Prior to that, they earned a Dr. Agr. degree in Agricultural Engineering from the same university, completing their studies from 2006 to 2010.

Barbara pursued their Master of Engineering (MEng) in Environmental and Process Engineering from HTWG Hochschule Konstanz – Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung, starting in 2005 and finishing in 2006. Before their master's degree, Barbara obtained a Dipl.-Ing. (FH) degree in Process and Environmental Engineering from the same institution between 2002 and 2005.

In terms of additional certifications, they completed a course on Leadership and Innovation Management at HTWG Konstanz in 2006. Barbara also received a certification in Project Management from the same institution in 2005. The specific months for obtaining these certifications are not provided.