Claire is a chemist with a strong background in synthetic chemistry, biotechnology, and research funding. She began her career as a synthetic chemist at a contract research organisation, delivering custom synthesis projects for pharmaceutical clients. Following this, she returned to academia to pursue a PhD, and later worked as a post-doctoral researcher on projects involving enzyme evolution and biocatalysis.

During her time in research, Claire contributed to the FP7-funded SUPRABIO project, exploring innovative biorefinery concepts. She later transitioned into research project management, leading the IBCarb network – a UK-wide glycoscience initiative promoting collaboration between academia and industry. In this role, she was responsible for applying for and awarding research funding, successfully securing several grants including CarboMet, an EU Coordination and Support Action under Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN.

Now as Grants Lead at Kene, Claire supports SMEs in securing national and European R&D grant funding, including schemes such as Innovate UK, Defra, DSIT, DESNZ, EIC Accelerator, CBE JU, Horizon Europe, and Eurostars. She is PRINCE2 qualified and specialises in guiding clients through all stages of the grants process, with a particular focus on the chemical, pharmaceutical, bioeconomy, and materials sectors. Claire also contributed to the AgriChemWhey BBI JU Flagship project, further deepening her expertise in bio-based innovation.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys cycling, climbing, and gardening, where she’s recently taken up the challenge of growing her own veggies!

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