Successes of Our Institute at the BOKU Sustainability Awards 2025

Three colleagues from our institute were honoured at this year’s BOKU Sustainability Awards. We proudly congratulate Mihaela Chiorean, Ivan Melikhov and Armin Winter for their outstanding contributions to sustainable research and education.

The BOKU Sustainability Awards 2025 were presented on 13 November – and our institute was strongly represented among the awardees and nominees.

Mihaela Chiorean received the award in the category Research (Master’s Theses). Her thesis “Dyeing without dying: Microbial colors as a sustainable alternative to revolutionize the textile industry” demonstrates how microbially produced dyes can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic textile dyes, opening new avenues for more sustainable textile technologies.

In the category Research (Dissertations, Publications, Projects), Ivan Melikhov was nominated for his dissertation, which advances sustainable man-made cellulosic fibers. His work provides key analytical insights – from Lyocell stabilizer chemistry to solvent stability and the characterization of hemicellulose-rich feedstocks.

Dr. Armin Winter was nominated in the category Education for Sustainable Development. His project DonauCycle – the Sustainability Island at the Donauinselfest 2025 – engaged thousands of visitors by making circular economy and bioeconomy concepts accessible through interactive activities and hands-on learning.

We warmly congratulate our colleagues – and extend our appreciation to all other award recipients of the BOKU Sustainability Awards 2025.

10.12.2025