Dirk Damaschke studied chemistry at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in the diploma program. In his final thesis in chemistry, he focused on organic polymers and the analytical investigation of interfacial phenomena; during a research period in nanotechnology, he worked on cellulose.
In his doctoral research, he investigates biogenic materials of fungal and invertebrate origin. In addition, he is employed through the ValBioPro project, where he works together with research partners on the valorization of biogenic side streams into products.