Portrait Prof. Pfriem
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Pfriem has been Professor of Wood Technology and Wood-Based Bioeconomy at the Institute of Natural Materials Technology since October 1, 2025
Without wood technology, wood is missing! And thus an essential building block of a modern bioeconomy, as wood is sustainably produced and permanently available. Our goal is to exploit the full potential of wood and natural fibers in order to expand their areas of application and make them more sustainable - from modern wood and composite materials to construction elements and fiber-based packaging.
For me,being a professor means not only passing on knowledge, but also encouraging my students' curiosity and creativity. I attach great importance to an inspiring learning environment that is characterized by sustainability and practical applicability.
Students should bring curiosity, commitment and a passion for sustainable solutions in the field of wood technology, because I expect them to actively participate in the learning process and develop innovative ideas for the use of wood and natural fibers.
In the future, wood technology, as an indispensable part of natural materials technology, will be even more closely integrated into teaching and research on an interdisciplinary basis, making a decisive contribution to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. In doing so, it will promote innovative solutions for the efficient use of wood and natural fibers, while at the same time I aim to improve the networking and cooperation of national wood research.
If I could study again, I would opt for an interdisciplinary degree in sustainability and digital solutions. This would allow me to further deepen my passion for innovative technologies and environmentally friendly practices and bring me even closer to my dream of actively shaping a sustainable future.
For me,excellence means pursuing the highest standards in teaching and research! The Excellence Initiative offers the valuable opportunity to mobilize resources and networks to create innovative projects in wood technology and bioeconomy that are both academically and socially relevant.