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 49 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.

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.

Involved in teaching of advance courses “Biofuels from photoautotrophs” (KABI5010), “Biotechnological application of microalgae” (KABI5076) and "Applied photosynthesis research" (KABI4004) at the Department of Biochemistry both as a lecturer and in the development and delivery of laboratory courses. Co-supervised three Ph.D. and one M.Sc. thesis. Mentorship of several Ph.D. students, Erasmus and Erasmus-Mundus Aurora exchange trainees and “summer” students.