Bjoern Kolbe is a PhD candidate in Medicine at the University of Adelaide, working within the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (since October 2023). Supervised by Dr. Katharina Richter and Dr. Bryan Coad, he investigates plasma-activated water (PAW) as an innovative, effective, and environmentally friendly disinfection strategy against foodborne bacteria.

His interdisciplinary background combines plasma physics, polymers and hybrid materials, and their applications in dental materials, liquids and plasmas, as well as applied material sience and engineering. He applies this expertise to tackle pressing public health challenges—particularly the prevention of infections in the food industry and beyond.

Within a translational research environment, Bjoern collaborates closely with scientists from different groups and institutions, aiming to bridge laboratory innovation with real-world applications. His project contributes to the development of safe, sustainable disinfection methods with potential for broad implementation across global health and safety systems.