Andreas Hornung - EBRI, Aston University

Aston University

The European Bioenergy Research Institute which was launched at Aston University in June 2008 will create a unique platform for the development and implementation of bioenergy systems in local, national and European contexts as well as reaching an International community.

Andreas Hornung is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Aston University, and is Head of the European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI).

One of the key benefits of being based in Birmingham is the easy access to transport links. I am regularly involved in projects which may require me to travel as far as India, so having Birmingham International Airport on the city’s doorstep is really important. I also live in Germany and so I can travel back home at the weekends with the greatest of ease. The fact that it is embracing the green agenda is also hugely important for me. Birmingham is a city that since 2007, has received support from policy makers to drive the city into a green future. The city has pledged that by 2026 it will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 60%, and of course universities are of course doing their part to drive low carbon, reduce heat and power transmissions and support green mobility. Birmingham is at the forefront of low carbon innovation and the city has become a centre of excellence for R&D projects. Speaking with my academic hat on, Birmingham is a global city due to the exchange of academia.