Rate My Professor Nik Willoughby

Nik Willoughby is Professor of Sustainable Bioprocessing at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Edinburgh campus. He is also Head of the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering. Willoughby earned his PhD from University College London in 1999, focusing on areas that laid the foundation for his career in bioprocessing. Following his doctorate, he gained industry experience in commercial protein purification development at Metris Therapeutics. He then returned to University College London, where he conducted downstream bioprocessing research at the interface of industry and academia, contributing to the establishment of the EPSRC-funded Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre for Bioprocessing (IMRC).

In 2006, Willoughby established a dedicated bioprocessing research group at Heriot-Watt University. The group specializes in downstream processing, protein recovery, and cellular therapies, with emphasis on novel separation methods, process development, and scale-up for sustainable bioprocessing. Notable achievements include the development of separation processes for cell therapies and innovative recovery techniques for proteins and amino acids from unconventional sources, such as malt whisky by-products and langoustine shells. Willoughby played a pivotal role in spinning out Horizon Proteins, a company focused on converting distillery by-products into high-quality protein for animal feed, and serves as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Furthermore, he chairs the Scottish Bioeconomy Council, guiding the formulation of Scotland’s National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology.

His scholarly contributions are extensive, with over 2,000 citations across 57 publications documented on ResearchGate. Select key works include: "Formate as a feedstock for single-cell protein production: Candidate formatotrophs, fermentation challenges, and scalability" (Teasdale et al., 2026, Bioresource Technology Reports); "Effect of protein hydrolysis on the emulsifying properties of collagen and its hydrolysates extracted from leather by-products" (Phee et al., 2025, Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology); "Research Trends on Valorisation of Agricultural Waste Discharged from Production of Distilled Beverages and Their Implications for a “Three-Level Valorisation System”" (Stewart et al., 2024, Sustainability); and "Recycling Potential of Brewer’s Spent Grains for Circular Biorefineries" (Agrawal et al., 2023, Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry). Willoughby’s research has significant implications for sustainable biotechnology, circular economy practices, and advanced manufacturing in the bioeconomy sector.