Zekarias Yacob Fundusa

I’m a Senior Scientist in Organic, Polymer, and Materials Chemistry with over 15 years of international experience across academia and industry. I hold a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Humboldt University of Berlin, where I focused on sustainable organocatalysis, ionic liquids and applications of iron nanoparticls in catalysis.

My interests include the isolation, synthesis, modification, and application of organic molecules, polymers, and hybrid materials for biomedical or industrial purposes. Currently, I lead research at Norse Biotech, where our work focuses on transforming sustainable, waste biomass into high-value materials for biomedical and industrial applications.

Over the years, I’ve worked in Germany, Romania, Norway, and Ethiopia, contributing to both research and education. My academic journey includes postdoctoral work at Humboldt University and (National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies) INCDTIM, Cluj-Napoca Romania, as well as a guest researcher role at the University of Oslo. I’ve also enjoyed teaching and mentoring students in chemistry along the way.

I’ve authored several peer-reviewed publications in catalysis, green chemistry, and advanced materials, and I’m a member of both the Norwegian and Ethiopian Chemical Societies. I’m fluent in English, Amharic, and Norwegian, and I’m passionate about sustainability, innovation, and finding meaningful ways for chemistry to improve lives.