Dr Susana Direito

Susana is a Business Development Executive at the School of Biological Sciences, helping scientists transform research into real-world impact. Previously an Astrobiologist and Biological Physicist, she enjoyed interdisciplinary collaborations with Industry so much that she now supports researchers to do the same.

How would you explain your job to an alien?

I help scientists to generate impact from their research into the real world.

What did you do before EI?

I was a scientist for almost 10 years at the University of Edinburgh at the School of Physics and Astronomy. I worked in the fields of Astrobiology, Biological Physics and Biofilms, also doing collaborative research with Industry.

What’s the best thing about working here?

The best thing about working here is to be in contact with the most exciting and innovative research and amazing scientists. To be able to help drive impact from their research is an honour to me.

What's your favourite project that you’ve worked on? What did it accomplish?

It is really difficult to choose one, they are all special.

What does innovation mean to you? 

Innovation is what moves humanity forward, it is not only technological evolution but also breaking down barriers.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? 

Make sure whatever you do in your life it is something you enjoy doing. This is also the advice I give others.

If you had one more hour in the day how would you spend it?

Do a short trip to a museum, an art gallery, or a new place I have never been before.

Do you ever imagine yourself in another occupation? 

I really enjoy what I do and I am still a scientist at heart (once a scientist, always a scientist). Other occupation(s) I would probably enjoy would be being an archaeologist or forensic scientist, due to my very curious nature and the desire to know, learn, question and explore; and my love to travel. Or I would choose an occupation related with charitable causes where impact can be maximised, and one can contribute to making the world a better place.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a space geek! Afterall, we are all made of star dust.

What would you really like to work on at EI/UoE?

I particularly enjoy projects where the impact is within arm's reach.

What drew you to this field, and how did you get started? 

While I was a scientist, I already had a great interest in creating impact from my research and was actively collaborating with Industry. I liked this so much, I decided to ‘jump’ to a profession where I can now support researchers doing the same.

What is your typical approach to problem-solving? 

Because my background is very interdisciplinary, I probably think out of the box and see connections where most people wouldn’t.

What is your most effective strategy for dealing with stress and unwinding? 

Doing nature or beach walks, connecting with nature, visiting museums and art galleries, and forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku).

How do you achieve a balance between work and your personal life? 

Making sure I take time off and enjoy my free time doing things I also love, such as meeting friends, doing nature walks, exercising, travelling, etc.