Professor Karen Coopman

BSc, PhD

Pronouns: She/her
  • Professor of Biological Engineering
  • Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation - Focus and Excellence

Research groups and centres

Publications
ORCiD Researcher ID Google Scholar
Karen Coopman

Background:

Karen has had a long-standing interest in healthcare, and after obtaining her 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology from the University of Bristol (2002), went on to complete a PhD on the expression and role of cannabinoid receptors in T lymphocytes at the University of Bath (2006). This was followed by a 2-year Research Associate position at the University of Leicester (sponsored by AstraZeneca) where she worked on a project which focused on the molecular pharmacology and cellular signalling of the GLP-1R. She has been an academic at the University since July 2008 and was promoted to Professor of Biological Engineering in 2023. In addition to leading a research group focused on the manufacture of cell-based therapies, Karen was the Director of the EPSRC/MRC  Centre for Doctoral Training on Regenerative Medicine. She has held a variety of leadership roles including MSc programme lead in Chemical Engineering and Director of Doctoral Programmes and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering. She is currently an Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation for the University and is also the University HTA licence Designate Individual. 

Qualifications:

  • 2013: Institute of Leadership and Management
    • Level 3 award: Leadership and Management
  • 2008-2011: Loughborough University
    • Teaching qualification - New Lecturer’s Route, Accredited by the Higher Education Academy (currently a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy)
  • 2002-2006: University of Bath
    • Ph.D. Research in Pharmacology – An investigation into the expression and role of cannabinoid receptors in T lymphocytes
      Supervisor: Prof. S Ward
  • 1999-2002: University of Bristol
    • B.Sc. (Hons) in Pharmacology: First Class

Professional affiliations:

  • Fellow of HEA
  • Affiliate member of the IChemE

Outline of main research interests:

  • Stem cell bioprocessing
  • Preservation methods for cells (including cryopreservation and hypothermia)
  • Developing characterisation methods and tools to define cell therapy quality
  • Generation of 3D cell structures for use in drug discovery

Current teaching responsibilities: 

Module organiser for:

  • CGP084 Technological Entrepreneurship

 Contribute to:

  • CGC054 Bioengineering Individual Project

Administrative responsibilities:

  • Member of the School staff EDI committee

Please see full list of publications:

External Collaborators:

  • AstraZeneca
  • UPM Biomedicals

Current external roles:

  • Member of EPSRC peer review college
  • Chair of ESACT-UK, the UK branch of the European Society for Animal Cell Technology)

Previous external roles have included:

  • Executive Editor Biotechnology Letters

Membership of External Steering Groups:

  • BBBSRC Network in Industrial Biotech – BioProNet –2016-2019
  • BBSRC Bioprocessing Research Industry Club – 2013-2017

EPSRC:

  • Member of Manufacturing the Future Theme Strategic Advisory Board (2014-Dec 2017)
  • Member of Early Career Forum in Manufacturing Research (2012- 2016)