Kirsty Culley

Kirsty joined the Earlham Institute in February 2026 as the Research Programme Manager for the Cellular Genomics Institute Strategic Programme (ISP). She leads the coordination and delivery of the programme, which focuses on genomic and transcriptomic heterogeneity in plant and animal systems, using advanced single-cell and spatial genomics technologies. She works closely with programme leadership and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery and alignment with the Institute’s research strategy.

Kirsty is an experienced science collaboration and programme management professional with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder scientific initiatives. Previously, she served as Science Collaboration Manager at Anglia Innovation Partnership, Norwich Research Park, developing and delivering programmes linking academia, industry, and funders. Her work supported successful partnerships and funding opportunities, strengthening engagement across research, industry, and innovation communities.

Kirsty obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of East Anglia, UK. She continued her research career at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, focusing on molecular pathways underlying the initiation and progression of arthritis, as well as directing the Resident Research Programme, which formed multidisciplinary teams and strengthened links between research and surgical departments.