Sergey
Kosourov
Links
Areas of expertise
Biography
Dr. Sergey Kosourov began his research career in 1998 as a junior researcher at the Institute of Basic Biological Problems, RAS, where he joined the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Phototrophic Microorganisms. In 2000, he earned a Ph.D. in plant physiology from Moscow State University. Sergey then undertook two assignments at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), DOE, U.S.: first as a postdoctoral fellow (2002–2003) and later as a research associate (2006–2009). Between and after these assignments, he worked as a senior and, subsequently, a leading researcher at the Institute of Basic Biological Problems, RAS. In 2013, he joined the Molecular Plant Biology team at the University of Turku.
Dr. Kosourov has co-authored 48 research papers and six book chapters in solar chemical and fuel production, whole-cell thin-layer immobilization, and solid-state photosynthetic cell factories. Additionally, he holds an international patent for the design of a multi-stage photobioreactor system for H2 production.
Teaching
Regularly contribute to the teaching and development of advanced courses at the University of Turku, including:
- Photosynthetic Biotechnologies (2024–2025; DIBT0608)
- Applied Photosynthesis Research (2019–2022 and 2024–2026; KABI4004, KABI4015, KABI4016)
- Kestävän bioenergian perusteet (2020–2022; DIBT0078, DIBT0084)
- Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae (2017; KABI5076)
- Bioenergy II: Biofuels from Photoautotrophs (2015; KABI5010)
Responsibilities have included lecturing and developing and delivering laboratory courses.
Co-supervised three PhD students and one MSc student. Mentored several PhD students, Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus Aurora exchange trainees, and summer students.
Research
Dr. Kosourov's current research is focused on the development of the advanced techniques for immobilization of green algae and cyanobacteria in nanoporous matrices with a structure specifically engineered for better light utilization and nutrient distribution. He also studies H2 metabolism in green algae and cyanobacteria, and investigates the potential of the native algal and cyanobacterial strains for production of solar fuels and high-value products.