Prof. Dr. Leo den Hartog

Prof. Dr. Hans Stein

Richard Benders

Richard Benders obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University. During his Master’s programme, he conducted a research project at the Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution at the University of Geneva, where he studied the development of pigment patterns in amphibians using advanced 3D microscopy. In this work, he also developed surface profilometry methods for submerged embryonic tissues in crocodiles and chickens. In 2025, Richard obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University. His doctoral research was carried out within the Pelleting in Circular Agriculture project, an academic–industrial consortium focused on increasing the use of fibrous co-products in pelletized feeds without compromising physical pellet quality. Richard has strong expertise in 2D and 3D microscopy, process technology, thermodynamics, and compound feed manufacturing. He currently works as a Lead R&D Engineer at Bruil, a Dutch concrete company, where he applies the same physical, chemical, and process-technological principles to improve flowability and pumpability of concrete and mortars, and to optimize process control of time- and temperature-dependent material behavior.

Muhammad Hanif

With over 11 years at CPM, he brings deep hands-on and commercial expertise to the feed milling industry. He began his career as a Sales and Application Engineer, working extensively across Asian feedmills on equipment commissioning, process optimization, and troubleshooting. This strong technical foundation now supports his role as Territory Manager for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where he partners closely with customers to deliver practical solutions, improve plant performance, and drive long-term business value. 

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Sitzmann

Future-proof feed production requires more than new ingredients — it requires deep process understanding.

In his opening lecture, Prof. Sitzmann presents the strategic foundation of modern feed manufacturing: understanding core process kinetics, ingredient interactions, and energy flows inside the production line.

He demonstrates why scientific investigation of processing mechanisms is essential for achieving product quality, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

This session sets the technological framework for the entire conference — and highlights why process transparency is becoming a decisive competitive factor in feed production.

CV:

After studying at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (chemical engineering), Werner Sitzmann obtained his doctorate in 1986 at the Technical University of Hamburg on the topic of “Modelling heterogeneous catalytic reactions in fluidised beds” and worked in the following years at Krupp Maschinentechnik and Bahlsen as Head of Research and Development and Head of Engineering, respectively. From 1998 to 2020, he was authorised signatory and Head of Technology at Amandus Kahl, and since then Prof. Sitzmann has been active as authorised signatory and Head of Technology for Kahl Holding. Prof. Sitzmann serves on various association boards, as an honorary professor at the Technical University of Hamburg and as a lecturer at RWTH Aachen University. From 2020 to 2025, he has been acting head of the IFF research institute in Braunschweig. Since 1 October 2025, he has been Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the IFF.

Patrick Sudwischer

Patrick Sudwischer presents a forward-looking vision of precision-driven feed technology — from core process understanding to next-generation ingredients.

In his keynote on Precise Manufacturing Practice (PMPIFF), he reveals what truly happens inside the feed production process and how detailed knowledge of process-induced reactions improves formulation accuracy, reduces nutrient losses, and enhances sustainability.

He further presents two innovation projects:
TeMoTech, developing yellow mealworm protein from regional side streams for monogastric nutrition, and
NABIOFEED, introducing Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as sustainable extraction systems for bioactive plant compounds

Together, these projects demonstrate how precision, circularity, and intelligent processing define the future of feed.

CV

Patrick Sudwischer trained as a miller at Agravis Raiffeisen AG Ostwestfalen-Lippe from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued further education, obtaining certification as a state-certified milling technician and later earning the master craftsman title. Building on this foundation, he studied food chemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Following his studies, he worked as a research associate in Prof. Dr. Mischnick’s group at the Institute of Food Chemistry, focusing on biopolymer analysis. He then spent several years as a sales engineer in the industry.

In April 2021, Patrick Sudwischer joined the IFF Institute as a research associate, contributing to projects such as “Influences of Farm Management and Processing Technology on the Hygiene Status and Product Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and their Derived Products”, along with various other research initiatives.

Since 2023, he has also been involved in the collaborative project “Looking forward – Cli-mate-smart Approaches Utilizing regional side-streams”, a Victam Foundation funded project in 2023 “Deduction of phytase activity on basis of protein solubility in potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) for evaluation of degradation of compound feed during hydrothermal processing” and “Innovative Feed Technology on Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as Feedstuff for Non-Ruminants (TeMoTech)”, a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 2025, he initiated a cooperation project with the Technical University of Braunschweig about “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as Sustainable Extraction Systems for Unlocking Bioactive Plant Compounds in Functional Feed Component (NABIOFEED)”, which is also funded by the Victam Foundation.

On 1 October 2025, he took over the head of the research institute.

Dr.-Ing. Verena Böschen

Dr. Verena Böschen presents LokaLaStern, a climate-resilient aquafeed concept developed for recirculating aquaculture systems.

The project combines locally sourced insect protein (mealworm larvae), regional legumes, and marine micronutrients to create nutrient-optimized trout feed that reduces ecological impact and strengthens regional supply chains.

Beyond formulation, the physical properties of the feed are engineered to improve sinking behavior, nutrient retention, and water stability — minimizing nitrogen losses and environmental stress.

Her session highlights how regional resource integration and process engineering can strengthen sustainable aquaculture production.

CV:

After studying mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Verena Böschen started with her doctoral thesis on the subject marine biotechnology.

During finishing her doctorate, Verena Böschen worked at the IFF Research Institute for a fixed time.

Subsequently she worked at the Institute for Particle Technology of the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Since 2013, she has been working again at the IFF Research Institute. Her focus is on energy management. Verena Böschen is certified internal energy auditor according to GUTcert and energy auditor.

On 1 October 2025, she has taken over the management.

Christoph Ohmstede

Christoph Ohmstede focuses on practical, measurable solutions to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in feed production.

In FUETURE, he evaluates feeding strategies, ingredient selection (including increased rye inclusion), and feed form to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy demand in broiler production through life-cycle assessment.

In Enerbroil, he investigates alternatives to conventional pelletizing, exploring non-pelleting agglomeration technologies designed to lower steam and electricity consumption while maintaining animal performance.

CV

Christoph Ohmstede began working as a research assistant at the IFF on 1 April 2022. He studied process engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), specialising in particle technology during his master’s degree. After completing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Solid Materials Processing and Particle Technology (TUHH). At the IFF, he worked on the project “Development of a novel hammer mill inlet to increase grinding performance and optimise particle structure”, was involved in the project “Biochar as Feed Additive – Processing Methods and its Potential for improving Animal Health” and is currently working on the projects FUETURE and Enerbroil.

Christoph Ohmstede

Christoph Ohmstede focuses on practical, measurable solutions to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in feed production.

In FUETURE, he evaluates feeding strategies, ingredient selection (including increased rye inclusion), and feed form to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy demand in broiler production through life-cycle assessment.

In Enerbroil, he investigates alternatives to conventional pelletizing, exploring non-pelleting agglomeration technologies designed to lower steam and electricity consumption while maintaining animal performance.

CV

Christoph Ohmstede began working as a research assistant at the IFF on 1 April 2022. He studied process engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), specialising in particle technology during his master’s degree. After completing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Solid Materials Processing and Particle Technology (TUHH). At the IFF, he worked on the project “Development of a novel hammer mill inlet to increase grinding performance and optimise particle structure”, was involved in the project “Biochar as Feed Additive – Processing Methods and its Potential for improving Animal Health” and is currently working on the projects FUETURE and Enerbroil.

Patrick Sudwischer

Patrick Sudwischer presents a forward-looking vision of precision-driven feed technology — from core process understanding to next-generation ingredients.

In his keynote on Precise Manufacturing Practice (PMPIFF), he reveals what truly happens inside the feed production process and how detailed knowledge of process-induced reactions improves formulation accuracy, reduces nutrient losses, and enhances sustainability.

He further presents two innovation projects:
TeMoTech, developing yellow mealworm protein from regional side streams for monogastric nutrition, and
NABIOFEED, introducing Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as sustainable extraction systems for bioactive plant compounds

Together, these projects demonstrate how precision, circularity, and intelligent processing define the future of feed.

CV

Patrick Sudwischer trained as a miller at Agravis Raiffeisen AG Ostwestfalen-Lippe from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued further education, obtaining certification as a state-certified milling technician and later earning the master craftsman title. Building on this foundation, he studied food chemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Following his studies, he worked as a research associate in Prof. Dr. Mischnick’s group at the Institute of Food Chemistry, focusing on biopolymer analysis. He then spent several years as a sales engineer in the industry.

In April 2021, Patrick Sudwischer joined the IFF Institute as a research associate, contributing to projects such as “Influences of Farm Management and Processing Technology on the Hygiene Status and Product Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and their Derived Products”, along with various other research initiatives.

Since 2023, he has also been involved in the collaborative project “Looking forward – Cli-mate-smart Approaches Utilizing regional side-streams”, a Victam Foundation funded project in 2023 “Deduction of phytase activity on basis of protein solubility in potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) for evaluation of degradation of compound feed during hydrothermal processing” and “Innovative Feed Technology on Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as Feedstuff for Non-Ruminants (TeMoTech)”, a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 2025, he initiated a cooperation project with the Technical University of Braunschweig about “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as Sustainable Extraction Systems for Unlocking Bioactive Plant Compounds in Functional Feed Component (NABIOFEED)”, which is also funded by the Victam Foundation.

On 1 October 2025, he took over the head of the research institute.

Patrick Sudwischer

Patrick Sudwischer presents a forward-looking vision of precision-driven feed technology — from core process understanding to next-generation ingredients.

In his keynote on Precise Manufacturing Practice (PMPIFF), he reveals what truly happens inside the feed production process and how detailed knowledge of process-induced reactions improves formulation accuracy, reduces nutrient losses, and enhances sustainability.

He further presents two innovation projects:
TeMoTech, developing yellow mealworm protein from regional side streams for monogastric nutrition, and
NABIOFEED, introducing Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as sustainable extraction systems for bioactive plant compounds

Together, these projects demonstrate how precision, circularity, and intelligent processing define the future of feed.

CV

Patrick Sudwischer trained as a miller at Agravis Raiffeisen AG Ostwestfalen-Lippe from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued further education, obtaining certification as a state-certified milling technician and later earning the master craftsman title. Building on this foundation, he studied food chemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Following his studies, he worked as a research associate in Prof. Dr. Mischnick’s group at the Institute of Food Chemistry, focusing on biopolymer analysis. He then spent several years as a sales engineer in the industry.

In April 2021, Patrick Sudwischer joined the IFF Institute as a research associate, contributing to projects such as “Influences of Farm Management and Processing Technology on the Hygiene Status and Product Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and their Derived Products”, along with various other research initiatives.

Since 2023, he has also been involved in the collaborative project “Looking forward – Cli-mate-smart Approaches Utilizing regional side-streams”, a Victam Foundation funded project in 2023 “Deduction of phytase activity on basis of protein solubility in potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) for evaluation of degradation of compound feed during hydrothermal processing” and “Innovative Feed Technology on Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as Feedstuff for Non-Ruminants (TeMoTech)”, a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 2025, he initiated a cooperation project with the Technical University of Braunschweig about “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as Sustainable Extraction Systems for Unlocking Bioactive Plant Compounds in Functional Feed Component (NABIOFEED)”, which is also funded by the Victam Foundation.

On 1 October 2025, he took over the head of the research institute.