Niels Nicolaï obtained a Bachelor and Master in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium, with a specialisation in Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology. Funded by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Niels engaged in an international research project aimed at the mathematical modelling and control of a novel continuous manufacturing line for the production of pharmaceutical tablets. During this time, Niels became proficient in the fields of process monitoring, identification and control. Niels also holds a professional degree in electro-mechanics.

Niels works on the pilEAUte project as well as the Waste2Feed project. In the former he aims at optimizing the operation and control of wastewater treatment plants by detailed monitoring and modelling of a full-functioning pilot facility.  The main objective is to investigate novel operational and control strategies that limit the operational costs and environmental impact of wastewater treatment plants. Besides, Niels is also in charge of supervising the Waste2Feed project which aims at nutrient recovery from bio-waste in the form of high-efficiency fertilizers.