Kirsty joined IBioIC in January 2024 as Programme Manager for the UKRI Launchpad Cluster Management Organisation. Her responsibilities include building the Scottish bio-based manufacturing cluster, providing a range of support to the Innovate UK Launchpad award beneficiaries, and other start-up companies and entrepreneurs in industrial biotechnology.

Before joining IBioIC, Kirsty was Product Development Manager for Marine Biopolymers Limited (MBL) for 12 years, initially aiding the founding Directors in establishing MBL’s pilot facility and seaweed biorefinery process. She worked across the business technically and commercially, developing new products and processes, leading on collaborative innovation projects and business engagement. She has participated in a range of steering and advisory groups within IB.

Kirsty has a degree in Biomedical Science from Glasgow Caledonian University and a Postgraduate diploma in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde. She is an active STEM Ambassador and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In her free time, Kirsty enjoys gardening and is a keen veg grower. She regularly practises aerial acrobatics and has experience with a wide range of apparatus.