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AIT researcher Angela Sessitsch among the Top 3 at the Austria 25 Awards
The biotechnologist was honored at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology for her internationally recognized research on microbiomes and climate-resilient agriculture
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Angela Sessitsch, Head of the Center for Health & Bioresources at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, ranks among the Top 3 “Austrians of the Year” in the Research category. The renowned biotechnologist was honored as part of the Austria 25 Awards of the daily newspaper “Die Presse” for her outstanding contributions to microbiome research and its significance for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
Her research shows how microbially supported solutions—from seed treatment and crop protection to improved nutrient cycles—strengthen yield security, soil health, and resource efficiency in agriculture. In doing so, Sessitsch provides important answers to the challenges of climate change.
Pioneering research for agriculture and the environment
Together with her team, Angela Sessitsch has been studying for many years how plants and microorganisms act in mutual dependence. “Microorganisms never occur alone in nature—they act in communities that determine plant health and yield,” explains Sessitsch. This understanding forms the basis for innovative applications in agribiotechnology, such as microbially enhanced seed (“priming”) or biological crop protection solutions.
Sessitsch has led numerous international research projects and, for many years, was the most-cited researcher worldwide in her field. Her work shapes the international discourse on microbiomes and sustainable agriculture and is thus part of the One Health approach, which considers ecological, plant, and human health together.
She is currently coordinating the EU project Microbiomes4Soy, which, together with 19 partners worldwide, is exploring new pathways for sustainable soybean production—from seed quality and soil health to nutrient cycles in the food chain. The results are feeding directly into practice: the AIT spin-off Ensemo has already successfully brought microbially optimized seed to market.
Recognition for international cutting-edge research
“Being among the Top 3 at the Austria 25 Awards is an important recognition for Angela Sessitsch and her team,” emphasizes AIT Managing Director and Spokesperson of the Management Board Brigitte Bach. “Her research shows impressively how scientific excellence and societal impact go hand in hand. With her work, she makes a decisive contribution to making agriculture more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable.”
Angela Sessitsch stands for research that is practice-oriented and internationally networked. She studied Technical Chemistry and Biotechnology at TU Graz, earned her doctorate at Wageningen University (NL), and qualified as a professor at BOKU Vienna. After positions at the FAO/IAEA laboratories, she built a leading research group for soil and plant microbiology at AIT. Today she heads the Center for Health & Bioresources, which has locations in Vienna, Tulln, Graz, Hall in Tyrol, and Seibersdorf.