Our mission

The FH JOANNEUM Food Processing Lab is designed for applied teaching and research in the food sector.
Our mission
Our degree programmes in Sustainable Food Management and Food: Product and Process Design aim at providing students with fundamental knowledge of food processing based on practical examples and expanding this knowledge in research projects. The Food Processing Lab is thus considered as an integral part of training enabling our students to acquire hands-on expertise and skills. The laboratory offers room for innovation, with different stakeholders working together to solve problems along the food chain.
The Food Processing Lab has already served as an "open lab" for on-farm processors and food start-ups. In addition to the development of innovative products, it also provides an experimental space for new technological innovations such as the chestnut sorting machine and different social and economic concepts. Another research focus is on investigating alternative protein sources based on insects. This research is carried out as part of a five-year project funded under the FFG's COIN programme, which systematically explores the potential of insects (T. Molitor) as a food and feed source in Austria.

Our expertise
- Brewing and other fermentation processes
Contact: Dr. René Rehorska - Insect research
Contact: Dr. Simon Berner - Production of extracts and active ingredients
Contact: Dr. Herbert Böchzelt - Food product development
Contact: Dr. Simon Berner - Food additives and natural cosmetics
Contact: Dr. Herbert Böchzelt - Chemical and microbiological analysis
Contact: DI Monika Grasser - Development of technological process solutions
Contact: Dr. Simon Berner