Inaugural Lecture: Professor Riaan den Haan

Join us for Prof Riaan den Haan's professorial inaugural lecture – Beyond fermentation: engineering yeast for a sustainable future, hosted by the Faculty of Science.

Professor Riaan den Haan
Department of Microbiology
Faculty of Science
Title: Beyond fermentation: engineering yeast for a sustainable future

Event details
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Time: 17:30 SAST
Venue: STIAS, Wallenberg Research Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch
Format: Hybrid event

RSVP here for in-person attendance.
RSVP here for online attendance.

Beyond fermentation: engineering yeast for a sustainable future

In his inaugural lecture, Prof Riaan den Haan reflects on the evolving role of yeast – from its traditional use in fermentation to its emerging potential as a platform for sustainable biomanufacturing. Drawing on his research in yeast molecular biology and industrial biotechnology, Prof Den Haan explores how engineered strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be developed to convert plant-based waste into fuels and high-value chemicals.

The lecture focuses on the concept of consolidated bioprocessing, where a single organism is designed to break down complex biomass as well as ferment the resulting sugars – in one, integrated process. Prof Den Haan discusses key challenges associated with this approach, including enabling yeast to access lignocellulosic substrates, utilise mixed sugars efficiently, and withstand the stresses of industrial environments. He highlights advances from his research group in improving enzyme production, expanding substrate utilisation, and enhancing strain robustness.

In the broader context of the global transition towards a circular bioeconomy, the lecture considers how such technologies could contribute to more sustainable production systems by reducing reliance on fossil resources and valorising waste streams into high-value products. This links the research to sustainability priorities, including clean energy, industrial innovation and responsible consumption. Interwoven with this scientific narrative, Prof Den Haan reflects on his academic journey and collaborations, illustrating how these have shaped his research direction and approach to mentorship and leadership. Ultimately, the lecture presents engineered yeast as a powerful tool for redefining fermentation, offering sustainable solutions for waste utilisation and renewable biomanufacturing in a resource-constrained world.

Biography

Riaan den Haan is a professor in the Department of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University (SU), where he returned in 2026 to continue his work in the field of yeast molecular biology and industrial biotechnology. He obtained his PhD in Microbiology from SU in 2003, followed by postdoctoral and senior researcher appointments in the same department. During this time, he focused on engineering yeast strains for the conversion of plant biomass into bioethanol in collaboration with international academic and industry partners in Finland and the United States. In 2014, he joined the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where he established a yeast biotechnology research group. He later served as head of UWC’s Department of Biotechnology, contributing to academic leadership, research development and curriculum innovation.

Prof Den Haan’s research centres on engineering robust yeast strains for next-generation biorefineries, with a particular emphasis on consolidated bioprocessing, enhanced heterologous protein secretion, and the efficient utilisation of lignocellulosic substrates. His work aims to enable the conversion of agricultural residues into biofuels and high-value chemicals, supporting the development of a circular bioeconomy.

He has co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, holds several patents, and has been awarded a C1 rating by the National Research Foundation. He has supervised 20 PhD and master’s students to completion and maintains strong international collaborations, including partnerships with institutions in China and a longstanding collaboration with Kobe University in Japan. Prof Den Haan serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology and is an active member of the South African Society for Microbiology, where he served three terms as council secretary. Through his research and mentorship, he continues to advance sustainable biotechnology and biomanufacturing.