Dr Mike Pitts is Manager of the Sustainable Technologies Priority for Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network. Chemistry Innovation’s mission is to improve innovation in UK chemistry-using industries to deliver higher GPD and sustainability. The Sustainable Technologies priority is concerned with chemistry innovations that solve sustainability issues for society. Current activity is focussed on: use of alternative, sustainable feedstocks; low carbon technologies; sustainable design; life-cycle communication and explaining the business case for sustainable technologies and green design. The priority has a wide network of academics and industry stakeholders including an advisory board of senior UK experts.

Mike holds a degree in chemistry from Loughborough University and a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Exeter (Professor Chris Moody). He worked as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Vienna on anti-tumour compounds before a five year period working for spin-out companies. An experienced project manager, Mike has technical expertise in catalysis, microwave and flow chemistry.

Mike is Chair of the Liverpool & North West Group of the Society of Chemical Industry and a Trustee at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes. Both positions allow him to be very involved in school science.