Introducing Professor Olsson-Francis

We’re thrilled to announce that our Director, Karen Olsson-Francis, has been promoted to Professor of Geomicrobiology.

Karen began at the OU as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute (now School of Physical Sciences). She was then awarded a UK Space Agency fellowship which culminated in appointment as Lecturer in the School of Earth, Ecosystems and Environmental Sciences.

Since then she has worked to build the reputation of astrobiological research at the OU, most recently leading the Research England grant which has seen the group expand to an over 56-strong team.

Her promotion recognises her excellent leadership and development of AstrobiologyOU and her high international standing in the general area of geomicrobiology.

Many congratulations!