Meet the CSEP Team Series: Dr Semra Bakkaloglu

Could you tell us a bit about your current role and how your previous experiences have shaped your research focus?

I am the Lord Sainsbury Fellow (Fine Chemicals) at CSEP, with a background in environmental and chemical engineering. My work bridges academia and industry, focusing on methane emissions, negative emission technologies, life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA), and energy systems modelling. Before joining CSEP, I worked on assessing methane emissions, conducting sustainability assessments of olefin production, and developing market-based mechanisms for decarbonising the chemical industry — experiences that have shaped my broader interest in driving systemic change across energy and chemical value chains.

How do you see your work influencing not just sustainability outcomes, but also the economic competitiveness and global position of the fine chemicals industry?

At CSEP, I’m developing frameworks to accelerate the transition of the fine chemicals industry, focusing on industry-led sector strategies that address immediate challenges while creating a supportive ecosystem for long-term growth. I’m particularly excited about connecting rigorous research with practical industrial applications — building evidence to support cleaner, more circular fine chemical manufacturing and to guide future policy that fosters innovation and competitiveness. I’m also passionate about exploring how economic and business environments can be strengthened to enhance the industry’s GVA and global positioning.

How does your role at CSEP align with the Centre’s broader mission ?

My role at CSEP allows me to contribute to the Centre’s mission of advancing evidence-based sustainability strategies. Through my work on fine chemicals sector strategy, I aim to bridge scientific research, technology development, and policy design — ensuring that our insights not only inform but also enable real progress toward a sustainable and resilient fine chemical industrial future.

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope your work at CSEP will have on the fine chemicals sector?

I hope to further strengthen the link between academic research and its practical implementation in the fine chemical sectors. CSEP offers a unique platform to collaborate across disciplines and engage with industry leaders, which I believe will help me grow as both a researcher and a change-maker in sustainable innovation.

How do you unwind or recharge outside of work?

Outside of research, I enjoy creative and outdoor activities that help me recharge. I’ve loved skiing since childhood and find theatre and drama to be powerful ways to connect and express ideas beyond academia. I also enjoy long walks, photography, and exploring new places, which often inspire fresh perspectives and creativity in my work.