Dr Sarah Lovelock

Winner: 2024 Harrison-Meldola Early Career Prize for Chemistry

The University of Manchester

For the development of innovative biocatalytic approaches to produce therapeutic oligonucleotides.

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A highlight of my career was receiving a prestigious UKRI Future Leader Fellowship, which allowed me to establish my own independent research group and start working on my own research ideas.

Therapeutic oligonucleotides are a new class of RNA-based molecules that have the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. However, the rapidly growing number of therapies approved and in advanced clinical trials is placing unprecedented demands on our capacity to manufacture oligonucleotides at scale. Biocatalysis is an exciting technology that is widely used across the chemical industry: this is where enzymes are used to convert starting materials into high-value products.

Dr Lovelock’s group is developing biocatalytic approaches to produce therapeutic oligonucleotides in a more sustainable and scalable way. One strategy they have developed produces complex oligonucleotide sequences in a single operation using polymerases and endonucleases (nature’s enzymes). These enzymes work together to amplify complementary sequences embedded within a catalytic template. The group is working in partnership with industry to translate their approaches into manufacturing processes.

Read winner biography

Sarah Lovelock received her PhD from The University of Manchester where she worked under the supervision of Professor Nicholas Turner. Following her PhD, she took a position as Senior Scientist at GlaxoSmithKline, where her primary focus was engineering enzymes for use in manufacturing processes. After three years working in industry, Sarah returned to academia as a BBSRC/MRC Innovation Fellow working in the lab of Dr Anthony Green. In 2020, Sarah was awarded a University of Manchester Presidential Fellowship and a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship allowing her to start her own independent research group.

Sarah’s research focuses on the development of versatile biocatalytic approaches for the synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Her research involves engineering DNA modifying enzymes using directed evolution for applications in oligonucleotide manufacturing.

Q&A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

I have always been fascinated by science, especially understanding how things work on a molecular level. My decision to study chemistry at university was motivated by a future career in the pharmaceutical industry, developing medicines that can have a real impact on a patient’s quality of life.

Tell us about somebody who has inspired or mentored you in your career.

My school headmistress, Dame Helen Hyde, definitely had a positive impact on my academic journey and career. Her mantra was “I can do it, and I will do it”, and she really instilled this belief in all her students. This positivity has influenced my approach to science, encouraging me to tackle big challenges with determination.

What motivates you?

My research is interdisciplinary, and I collaborate with experts from many different fields. This provides opportunities to continuously learn new things and encounter new perspectives, which motivates me in my research. Watching my research team develop scientifically and progress towards their goals is also incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

A career in chemistry can be truly rewarding. Chemistry is a field that is constantly evolving in response to new environmental and societal challenges, and there are so many different opportunities and paths you can take. Stay open-minded, and don’t be afraid to try out different areas of chemistry.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

The integration of AI and deep learning into chemistry has the potential to accelerate scientific discoveries and developments. We are already employing some deep learning methods in our enzyme engineering workflows that are having a significant impact on the speed of biocatalyst development. I’m excited to see how this field progresses over the coming years.

Why is chemistry important?

Chemistry underpins almost all aspects of daily life. The chemical industry produces medicines, agrochemicals, fuels, flavours, fragrances, and materials. It is needed to drive technological innovation, address global challenges, and improve the health and well-being of society as a whole.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

A highlight of my career was receiving a prestigious UKRI Future Leader Fellowship, which allowed me to establish my own independent research group and start working on my own research ideas. It was a risk leaving a permanent position working in industry to pursue a less certain career in academia, but the award of my FLF showed that it was worth it!

What does good research culture look like/mean to you?

Good research culture creates an environment that is inclusive and diverse, where all members can actively contribute and feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. I believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is a key driver of innovation as it enables creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

The field of chemistry is constantly adapting to address societal and environmental needs. Chemistry is being developed to improve food safety and security, healthcare and access to clean water, and clean energy solutions to tackle climate change.

Why do you think collaboration and teamwork are important in science?

Addressing big challenges like climate change and curing diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach. Working with researchers from different fields not only provides a broad set of expertise but also enables more creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking.

What is your favourite element?

Phosphorous: it is a key component of my favourite molecule – DNA! It is very versatile. It is highly reactive, yet forms stable covalent bonds.