Karen Faulds

Karen Faulds is a Professor in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, specializing in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for bioanalytical applications and disease diagnostics.

Education

• PhD in Chemistry, University of Strathclyde (2003)

Research Interests

Professor Faulds develops advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques, including SERS and surface enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SESORS), for multiplexed detection of disease biomarkers and pathogens. Her work spans cancer diagnostics, sepsis detection, drug-induced liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial identification in healthcare and food safety, with a focus on point-of-care applications.

Scientific Awards

• Nexxus Young Life Scientist of the Year Award (2009)
• Royal Society of Chemistry Joseph Black Award (2013)
• Craver Award (2016)
• Charles Mann Award (2019)
• Robert Kellner Lecturer (2021)
• RSC Analytical Division mid-career award (2021)
• Top 50 Women in Analytical Science (2016)
• Top 10 Spectroscopist (2017)
• Top 100 Influential Analytical Scientists (2019)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2012)
• Fellow of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (2017)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2018)

Grants and Leadership

Securing over £20 million in research funding from EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, charities, and industry, Professor Faulds directs the Strathclyde component of the EPSRC/MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Optical Medical Imaging. She chairs the Infrared and Raman Discussion Group (IRDG) and serves on the RSC Analytical Division Council and FACSS Governing Board. Her editorial roles include Associate Editor for Analyst and positions on the boards of RSC Advances, Chemical Society Reviews, and Analytical Chemistry.

Research Group and Collaborations

Leading an interdisciplinary research team, Professor Faulds collaborates across scientific disciplines to advance Raman-based diagnostics for real-world healthcare challenges, driven by the goal of improving patient outcomes through early disease detection.