Professor Karen Polizzi is a leading figure in synthetic biology and bioprocessing at Imperial College London, where she is a Professor of Biotechnology within the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on engineering mammalian and yeast cells for bioproduction. Professor Polizzi’s interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, cell engineering, and bioprocess optimization to address key challenges in the production of proteins and vaccines. She is Vice Director of the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein and co-Director of the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre.

Beyond her research, Professor Polizzi plays an active role in shaping the future of biotechnology through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership. She collaborates widely with industry and academia and is passionate about training the next generation of synthetic biologists. Professor Polizzi is also a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and serves on multiple advisory boards promoting equality in science and engineering.