Fiona is an academic at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, with research interests in sustainable and industrial biotechnology, the circular economy and approaches that can aid our transition towards Net Zero.
She began her academic journey with a BA in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, specialising in Biochemistry, followed by an MSc in Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh. Her doctoral research within the Horsfall group at the University of Edinburgh investigated biological approaches to a circular economy for rare earth elements. Previously, Fiona worked on research projects covering neurodegenerative diseases (at the Oxford Parkinson’s disease research centre), cancer biology (Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute) and health policy research focussed on infectious disease and vaccination (Polygeia Global Health thinktank).
Alongside her PhD, Fiona contributed to an SSAC report on the Opportunities for Scotland in Engineering Biology, further developing her interest in the relationship between science and policy. She also worked as an associate consultant for Outsmart Insight, developing experience in identifying, assessing and communicating the potential opportunities and implications of emerging technologies. Fiona was a recipient of the Sir William Darling Memorial Prize in 2025 for her contributions to academic and extra-curricular life at the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Bunn joined the SSAC on 1 October 2026.
