Closing the carbon-nitrogen loop

Dr Soressa Abera, an electrochemist at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, is one of the six finalists of our Scientists for Nature Challenge 2026: A Quantum Leap for Biodiversity. He presented his work at the 75th Anniversary Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.

Healthy ecosystems depend on functioning carbon and nitrogen cycles. Yet these cycles are increasingly disrupted by pollution, waste, and resource-intensive industrial systems, with consequences for climate, biodiversity, and human wellbeing.

Soressa's research explores how electrochemistry and advanced materials can turn waste streams into valuable resources. His work aims to develop decentralised, circular chemical systems that use carbon dioxide and nitrogen compounds to produce useful chemicals - with potential applications in more sustainable fertiliser production, waste management, and local resource recovery.