Microorganisms are treasure troves for novel biochemical reactions that plants, animals and humans cannot perform. The research conducted by Cornelia Welte allows us to find and appreciate these treasure troves and aims to use its findings to contribute to a better future.
The microbes that are investigated in Welte’s research group convert pollutants like greenhouse gasses or pharmaceuticals into less harmful substances. They find those microorganisms in the environment, where they are harmless members of complex microbial communities, and bring them to the laboratory to study them in controlled conditions, with high-end genomics and cultivation techniques. With this research, Welte and their research group want to contribute to a more sustainable future where they aim to apply beneficial microorganisms in municipal, agricultural and industrial water treatment to combat environmental pollution and climate change.
About Cornelia Welte
Welte began her academic career at the University of Bonn in Germany, where she completed her Master of Science with a focus on microbiology with highest distinction (mit Auszeichnung) in 2008. She then continued at the University of Bonn to carry out her PhD research on ferredoxin-dependent electron transport during methanogenesis from acetate. For this PhD thesis, completed summa cum laude, she received a PhD Award of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) for the best PhD thesis in microbiology in Germany in 2011.
After completing her PhD research, Welte worked as Research Scientist at the Institute for Microbiology und Biotechnology (University of Bonn), as fellow of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) at the Institute for Water and Wetland Research (Radboud University), and as Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Water and Wetland Research (Radboud University). In 2015, she stayed at Radboud University as Assistant Professor and was appointed Associate Professor in 2021.
In her academic career, Welte received numerous grants, including the NOW-VIDI Talent Grant, and was Co-PI in the SIAM Gravitation Grant. Welte also received awards for their teaching, such as the Teaching Award for Biosciences at Radboud University, and the Research Award of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) for outstanding scientific performance. Additionally, Cornelia Welte contributes to academia by carrying out academic services and management at numerous journals, symposia, committees, and foundations.