Dr.-Ing. Sinem Fundneider-Kale receives Willy-Hager- Prize 2025
2026/05/22 by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Engelhart
Dr.-Ing. Sinem Fundneider-Kale, a former doctoral student at the Department of Wastewater Engineering of the IWAR Institute, was awarded the Willy Hager Prize. She received this honor for her pioneering scientific work on the topic “Impact of Industrial Chemicals on Anaerobic Granules – Unraveling Inhibitory Effects and Mitigation Strategies.”
The dissertation by Ms. Fundneider-Kale makes an important contribution to the comprehensive understanding of inhibition mechanisms of selected industrial chemicals on anaerobic, granular biomass in so-called EGSB reactors. The results provide both researchers and practitioners with important explanations and recommendations for action regarding challenges in the operation of anaerobic reactors and enable a better assessment of system behavior and its temporal classification. The work thus spans a wide range, from the fundamental evaluation of inhibition effects to application-relevant optimization measures and prevention strategies.
The award ceremony took place on May 11, 2026, as part of the annual meeting of the Water Chemistry Society in Kiel. The occasion was the 100th anniversary of the specialist group. The Willy-Hager Prize, endowed with 6,000 euros, is awarded annually to young female and male scientists for outstanding work in the field of water treatment and wastewater management. The award already went to a researcher of our institute the previous year.
Image material:
Presentation of the award certificate by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heidrun Steinmetz (RPTU Kaiserslautern) to Sinem Fundneider-Kale
Photographer: Nina Hermes
