May 3, 2017: Min Münch (MWFK) gained comprehensive impressions of ATB's current research approaches. Besides a tour through the insutute's laboratories, discussions with the Management Board were on the agenda. 

Dr. Martina Münch, since 2016 Minister for Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg, vistits the institute for the first time. The tour through the labs allowed to gain insights into ATB's research approaches. New methods for minimizing microbial risks in the agricultural context and for improving food safety were the main focus of the tour.  

In the wind tunnel Prof. Dr. Thomas Amon explained methods and measurements as prerequisites for the modelling of airstreams in and from animal barns. These findings form the basis for the development of spreading models that can be used to assess the risks of a dust-associated transmission of microbial pathogenes and to develop mitigation strategies. Moreover questions concerning animal welfare were discussed. 

Dr. Oliver Schlüter presented non-destructive methods of quality analysis from the ATB research program "Quality and Safety of Food and Feed", novel storage and packaging concepts for fruit and vegetables to maintain the quality post harvest, as well as procedures for the safe hygienisation of fresh products such as the application of plasma in perishables.

Presentation in the biogas lab addressed processes for the utilization of residues and the cascading use of biomass. Prof. Dr. Annette Prochnow and Dr. Patrice Ramm introduced ATB's research in the field of biogas from the screening of the substrates to the utilization of the digestate. They presented new fermenter systems for the treatment of problematic substrates and explained the potential of the fermentation process for reducing or eliminating pathogens from animal husbandry.