Louise Horsfall

Professor Horsfall’s fascination with science was ignited at a young age, and her initial dream was to become a forensic scientist. As an A level student in her hometown of Huddersfield, she reached out to the Forensic Science Service, eager to learn more about the field. The response she received would change the course of her life: "Get the best chemistry degree you can, with an analytical component." These words of wisdom echoed in her mind as she embarked on her academic journey at Oxford, where she pursued a combined MChem degree.

Although she felt uncertain about her abilities as a chemist during her first three years, it was in her fourth year, working in Chris Schofield's lab, that Professor Horsfall truly fell in love with biochemistry. She realised that forensic science wasn’t the right fit for her, as it required following strict protocols without room for creativity or innovation. Instead, she embraced the thrill of discovery as she mixed and matched experiments, like cooking, but instead of savouring the flavours, unravelling the secrets of enzymes. She knew she had found her calling and she was right. Soon after she got her name on two papers, a rare achievement for an undergraduate.

As Professor Horsfall navigated her career, she was fortunate to have mentors who helped guide her. Chris Schofield, her supervisor, played a pivotal role in her transition from chemistry to biochemistry. His influence helped her secure a PhD position at Universite de Liege, where she delved into the world of enzymology and metal interactions. Later, while doing her postdoctoral research at Leeds University, Adam Nelson's insights introduced her to the emerging field of synthetic biology, which would later become the cornerstone of her research. During this time, she also worked with Professor Susan Rosser at the University of Glasgow, further shaping her experience and expertise.

Professor Horsfall attributes the direction of her career to a combination of luck, determination and drive. She was in the right place at the right time, pursuing her passion with good support, and she was introduced to an emerging field where she knew she could make a meaningful difference. With this momentum, she applied for an academic position at Edinburgh, and her career took off on its next significant direction.

Driven by her desire to make a positive impact on the world, Professor Horsfall's research focuses on the bacterial interaction with metals and the potential for sustainable solutions. Through synthetic biology, Professor Horsfall has been able to improve the sustainability of biological processes and products.

Louise’s pioneering research is revolutionising the field with initiatives including the Recycling of Li-ion Batteries (ReLiB) project, the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub (C-Loop), and the REcycling CRitical Elements in Advanced Technologies for the Environment (RECREATE) program. Impressively, Louise’s research has attracted long-term funding support from organisations including the Faraday Institution, EPSRC and BBSRC. Additionally, her work is supported by the UKRI Engineering Biology Mission Hubs, specifically the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC). 

Recognised for her expertise and leadership, Louise is Head of the Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Earth Champion for Circular Economy at the University of Edinburgh. She also lends her expertise to bodies such as the Scottish Science Advisory Council, BBSRC Strategy Advisory Panel for Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Growth and the EPSRC Strategic Advisory Team for Sustainable Manufacturing and Mobility and holds the position of an Elected Executive Board member of the European Federation of Biotechnology. In addition, Louise has an active role in the national and international student societies SynBioUK and EUSynBioS.

She is proud of her career to date, the research group she has built and the individuals she has helped develop. The Innovation in Sustainability Award she received for her work on recovering metals from lithium-ion batteries is a testament to the potential of her research to have a real-world impact. And her collaboration with industry partners, such as Johnson Matthey, CellMine and Impact Solutions, is a crucial step towards commercialising her research and creating a more circular economy.

Professor Horsfall reflects on the importance of perseverance and seizing new opportunities. Failing to secure a European starter grant, taught her to learn from setbacks, use them as stepping stones for future success and being open about her hearing disability. Her advice to early-career researchers is:

 “be kind and polite, and collaborative. In today’s competitive research landscape, industry partners have so many options so it’s crucial to establish strong working relationships, involving colleagues who can support. By doing so, researchers can unlock future opportunities, secure partnerships, and drive innovation projects forward”.

In Professor Horsfall’s case, success so clearly lies at the intersection of talent, hard work, and a willingness to collaborate and learn from others. As she embarks on her new role as Edinburgh Earth Champion for Circular Economy, Professor Horsfall is committed to using her knowledge and experience to encourage others to join her and innovate for a sustainable future.