Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s Student-Led Teaching Awards are back to recognise outstanding members of learning and support staff. After a challenging year for everyone, we’re celebrating our worthy nominees by shouting about their successes across our digital platforms. 

What is your full name? 

Louise Horsfall 

What is your job title? 

Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology 

What school or service do you work in? 

Biological Sciences 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your role. 

I joined the Uni in 2012 as a lecturer in Biotechnology and established a new MSc programme in Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology a couple of years later. I’ve recently been promoted to Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology and enjoy a balance of teaching and research within my role. I lead a team of 13 researchers in the area of sustainable biotechnology/applied synthetic biology. We’ve a wide range of projects on the go, many with companies as collaborators, and I like to use examples of my research (when possible) within my teaching. 

What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Teaching Award this year? 

It’s hugely rewarding to be nominated for an award – but what matters most is to be nominated within this category and in this way. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing how synthetic biology could support progress towards the UN‏‏‎ ‎Sustainable‏‏‎ ‎Development‏‏‎ ‎Goals and I’m so pleased that the students not only felt the same but were inspired to ensure that the outcomes of their research and learning move us towards a better future world. There is no greater compliment. 

What’s your favourite part of your role and working with students? 

Discussing current research, whether my own or newly published work, and where it might go next. 

How have you adapted your approach to teaching and supporting students under the Hybrid Model this year? 

I’ve kept the live discussion element wherever possible, whether in person or online. For many students, as well as myself, it is often the unexpected conversations that are the most enjoyable and rewarding. 

What’s been the biggest challenge in your role this year? 

Providing the pastoral care needed to support our MSc students. Many of who are overseas students, who didn’t go home for Xmas break, who are still very isolated and who are desperately hoping to get research experience in laboratories over the summer. 

What would you say to the student(s) who nominated you, or students who are considering submitting a nomination for a staff member who has had an impact on them? 

I’m incredibly grateful to receive this nomination and have my hard work recognised. Moreover, I’m particularly touched at the thoughts expressed within the nomination – this is everything I set out to achieve and more. 

To find out more about the Teaching Awards and browse nomination categories, please visit the Students’ Association’s website.