Emma Haynes

Emma joined NPL in 2016, and after successfully leading teams within the Environment and Quantum Departments, she was appointed Head of the Time and Frequency Department where she played a critical role in conceiving and delivering the flagship National Timing Centre programme. Appointed as Partnerships Director in 2022, Emma is now responsible for maximizing the impact and the financial sustainability of NPL by establishing strong enduring partnerships and developing opportunities that address National Challenges in collaboration with government, academia, research institutions and industry.

Emma is passionate about working with innovative, customer-focused, inclusive and continually learning teams who are excited by the opportunity to deliver impact and make a difference.

After graduating with a degree in Chemistry and Chemical Technology from the University of Bradford, Emma embarked on a research career which spanned petrochemicals, novel spectroscopy techniques and pharmaceuticals. She completed an MPhil by research (sponsored by ICI), followed by a PhD (sponsored by Castrol) and with a further two years post-doctoral research in drug delivery systems resulting in over 25 journal publications.

Emma left academia to join global technology organisation Freudenberg Group, working in various business functions including R&D, compliance and technical sales. In 2002 Emma became a business leader for Freudenberg Nonwovens LP taking P&L control of two business units, supplying a global customer base with novel composite products in the FMCG, defence and medical devices sectors. In 2010 Emma accepted a technical leadership role overseas, joining an SME-sized private company tasked with transforming the operation and product offering of a Swedish manufacturer, supplying into the global automotive and healthcare sectors.