Conference Chair

FLORIAN BAUER

Florian, originally from Germany, pursued his higher education in both Germany and France. In 1993, he successfully earned a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the University of Bordeaux II. Presently, Florian holds two prominent positions: the South African Research Chair in Integrated Wine Science and the Distinguished Professorship in Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University.

His research endeavours encompass a wide range of disciplines, with a primary focus on yeast physiology, genetics, and molecular biology as they relate to the world of wine. This includes studying the intricate regulatory networks governing gene expression and metabolism, exploring cell wall properties, and investigating interactions among microorganisms involved in winemaking. Recently, his research has expanded to delve into the dynamics of microbial ecosystems associated with wine, incorporating synthetic ecology, and utilizing advanced data analysis tools in the realm of Sensory and Consumer Sciences.

Florian's scholarly contributions are extensive, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters to his credit. He is a sought-after speaker, having been invited to deliver keynote, opening, and plenary lectures at numerous international and national conferences. Additionally, Florian serves on the Editorial Boards of esteemed journals such as Yeast, FEMS Yeast Research, BMC Microbiology, and the South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture.