" 'Everything flows and nothing abides,' is my life motto and also reflects my research philosophy"
Meet the professor who keeps carbon in the loop. Paul Christakopoulos develops green biotechnologies and builds resilient solutions for a sustainable carbon cycle, bridging fundamental research with real industrial impact.
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your research?
—I’m originally from Greece, and I hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. I pursued a competitive postdoc career across Europe with fellowships in the UK (Institute of Food Research), Belgium (University of Ghent), and Greece (National Technical University of Athens), eventually becoming a professor there.I also undertook sabbatical research stays, supported by fellowships, at the Technical University of Denmark and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.I specialize in industrial biotechnology, with a focus on resilient, novel "green" technologies that support sustainable carbon cycles keeping carbon “in the loop”.
What made you choose this field of research?
—I entered the field during the 1990s, right when the industrial biotechnology boom started—DNA technologies, biofuels, and renewable chemicals were emerging. I was deeply influenced by Gregory Stephanopoulos at MIT and later by Jens Nielsen at DTU, with whom I also worked for a year, two pioneers in the field. That inspiration shaped my entire research path.
Why did you decide to conduct your research at Luleå University of Technology?Heraclitus's quote, —'Everything flows and nothing abides,' is my life motto and also reflects my research philosophy. After 15 years as a professor in Greece, I wanted a new challenge: to rebuild a successful research group in a completely new country. LTU appealed to me due to its strategic location—close to forest and mining industries—and because Sweden’s society is open and supportive. I was invited to visit and saw that LTU offered the right environment for combining fundamental and applied research with industrial collaboration.
How long have you been in Luleå, and what are the benefits of doing your research here?
—I’ve been in Luleå since February 2013. LTU’s location makes industrial collaboration accessible, and the Swedish academic system is very open. It’s also a great place for families: my wife works at LTU, and my daughter completed her education here and went on to graduate from Karolinska Institutet . It’s a safe, inclusive, and high-quality environment.
Would you recommend LTU to other researchers, and if so, why?
—Yes, but it depends on your career stage. For early-career researchers, LTU is a fantastic place to grow. For senior researchers, especially at the chair professorship level it requires more patience, determination and adaptation—but it can absolutely be worth it. LTU offers a supportive environment, great family life, and access to funding and industrial collaboration.
About Paul Christakopoulos
Does: Professor in Biochemical Process Engineering
Comes from: Athens
Lives in: Luleå
Why Luleå University of Technology:
Luleå University of Technology is a natural home for research at the intersection of industrial bioprocess technology, the circular economy, and resource-intensive industries. Situated in a world-class industrial region anchored by forestry and mining, LTU collaborates closely with companies on real-world challenges—from valorising forest biomass to keeping carbon “in the loop.” The openness of Swedish academia, combined with LTU’s culture of applied collaboration, lets ideas move quickly from fundamental insight to pilot-scale demonstration. My path is shaped by Heraclitus’s quote, “everything flows,” which I have adopted as my personal motto. It reflects the ethos here and my own ability to adapt quickly and efficiently: adapt, integrate, and advance. The scale is large enough to make an impact, yet small enough that you know your colleagues—an environment where focus, trust, and momentum thrive.
I like it here:
I have been in Luleå since February 2013. Proximity to industry makes collaboration straightforward, and the university’s culture is open, hands-on, and collegial. It is also an excellent place for families. The city is safe, inclusive, and closely connected to nature—the rhythm of long winters and endless summer light brings balance and perspective. Day-to-day, accessible facilities, supportive colleagues, and a clear line of sight to real-world impact keep the work energizing.
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