Dr Alison Nairn

What is the subject of your research?

My project is hoping to model the structure and reactivity of a type of copper enzyme produced by a number of different types of microorganism. These enzymes are able to break down biomass to produce biofuels so we are working towards more sustainable forms of energy.

What made you decide to apply for this fellowship?

I had recently returned to university to study in another subject as a mature student and was reminded how much I missed the challenge of academic work. I was encouraged to look into the Daphne Jackson Fellowships as they are designed for those who have taken a break from academic research and are an excellent way to re-establish an academic career.

What was the application process like?

There are several stages to the application process, but at every stage both the University, my supervisor and the team at the Daphne Jackson Trust have been incredibly supportive. Writing the research proposal was quite a challenge as for this type of fellowship you need to be able to explain complex research to a more general audience. Learning to do this, however, has been a valuable process in itself.

What have you most enjoyed about your fellowship?

I'm still in the early stages of my fellowship but I am particularly enjoying working with so many talented chemists and am relishing the opportunity to be back at the bench and being in control of my own research project. I've also had the chance to do some tutoring this term and found the interaction and feedback from the students very rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a fellowship?

It's important to do your research beforehand about the criteria for each research council and to speak to any academics that you would be keen to work with. Most importantly though is to have a go - it's a challenge to win a research grant but if you don't apply you will never know!