Dr. Daniel Van Opdenbosch, who works at the Chair of Biogenic Polymers under Prof. Dr. Cordt Zollfrank, has been responsible for the Laboratory for Structural Characterization at the chair since 2022 and has thus played a key role in shaping materials science research on campus. Previously, he led the research group “Biomediated Material Synthesis” for several years and earned his doctorate with distinction (summa cum laude) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His academic career has also taken him to the University of Utah (USA) as a visiting scholar and lecturer.
As part of his habilitation, Dr. Van Opdenbosch delivered his lecture on June 16, 2026, on the topic “Hierarchical Structuring of Biogenic Polymers.” In it, he demonstrated how complex hierarchical structures of biogenic materials can be purposefully generated and analyzed—an essential approach for the development of sustainable high-performance materials.
Sustainable Alternatives to Fossil Resources
His research focuses on the precise analysis of micro- and nanostructures as well as the atomic fine structure of materials. Using modern methods such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, he investigates structural relationships that are crucial for the properties of innovative materials. His expertise includes scattering techniques, electron microscopy, and the modeling of material properties. The goal of research at the Chair of Biogenic Polymers is to develop high-performancematerials from renewable resources, thereby creating sustainable alternatives to fossil resources.
“With his habilitation, Dr. Daniel Van Opdenbosch obtains the formal qualification to teach in his field and will further strengthen research and teaching at the Straubing campus,” says Chairholder Prof. Dr. Cordt Zollfrank. “At the same time, the successful habilitation underscores the growing scientific importance of the site in the fields of sustainable materials and bioeconomy.”
Already Awarded Scientific Honors
Dr. Daniel Van Opdenbosch has already received multiple distinctions for his achievements, including the Bioeconomy Innovation Award (2022) and the Straubing Science Award (2014).
The habilitation procedure was supervised by the subject mentoring committee consisting of Prof. Dr. Volker Sieber (Chair of Chemistry of Biogenic Raw Materials), Prof. Dr. Cordt Zollfrank, and Prof. Johann Plank (Chair of Construction Chemistry, TUM Emeritus of Excellence).