Dr. Manuel Bickel

Dr. Manuel Bickel is a sustainability scientist and circular economy specialist recognised for his work on resource efficiency, circular design and sustainable product service systems. As Co-Head of the Research Unit Product and Consumption Systems at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Manuel speaks regularly on how industry can move towards more circular and climate-aligned models. His expertise lies in connecting rigorous research with practical implementation, making him a trusted sustainability speaker for organisations seeking realistic and scalable solutions.

Manuel’s academic background is in environmental engineering, providing a strong technical foundation in energy and infrastructure systems. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science at Leuphana University of Lüneburg, where his research focused on knowledge management, communication processes and sustainable energy transitions. Alongside his academic work, Manuel gained industry experience in international business development at Fichtner Consulting Engineers, contributing to planning projects in the energy and infrastructure sector. This blend of engineering knowledge, research expertise and commercial exposure shaped his systems thinking approach to sustainability challenges.

Since joining the Wuppertal Institute in 2018, Manuel has progressed through several research roles before becoming Co-Head of the Research Unit Product and Consumption Systems. His work centres on ecodesign, circular economy strategies, life cycle assessment and the use of digitalisation to improve resource efficiency. He has also developed strong analytical skills, including R programming and text mining, and has taught statistics, interdisciplinary project work and industrial design. Through his research, Manuel supports businesses and policymakers in designing products and systems that reduce environmental impact while strengthening long term economic performance.

Manuel is hired as a sustainability speaker because he makes the circular economy tangible and actionable for industry audiences. He combines scientific credibility with a clear understanding of industrial realities, helping organisations identify practical steps towards circular design, data-informed decision-making and more efficient use of resources. His talks equip leaders with the insight and confidence needed to turn sustainability goals into measurable progress.