About Paula Darley, PhD

I am a scientist and biotechnology R&D leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning academic research, biotechnology development and scientific evaluation.

My career has taken me from fundamental scientific research through hands-on biotechnology R&D to the assessment of technologies, research programmes and innovation opportunities.

Darley Scientific Advisory brings that experience together to provide independent scientific judgement when the science behind an important decision is complex.

From research to biotechnology R&D

My scientific career began in academic research, developing a strong foundation in microbial biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein science.

I then moved into biotechnology, where my work increasingly focused on applying science to real development challenges — from industrial biotechnology and fermentation to antimicrobial research and veterinary vaccine R&D.

Over the years, I have worked across different stages of the R&D process, from scientific investigation and technology development through to programme leadership, evaluation and strategic decision-making.

This breadth has shaped the way I approach scientific questions today: not as isolated technical problems, but as evidence that needs to be understood in the context of what an organisation is trying to achieve.

From R&D to independent scientific judgement

Working in biotechnology taught me that good science is only part of the challenge.

Decisions often have to be made before the evidence is complete: whether a technology is worth pursuing, where an R&D programme should focus, which risks need addressing, or whether an opportunity merits further investment.

I worked on evaluating scientific proposals, technologies and programmes from an independent perspective. I have assessed research and innovation proposals for European funding programmes, including Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

These experiences developed a perspective that sits between scientific detail and strategic decision-making: understanding the evidence deeply enough to challenge it, while keeping sight of the decision it needs to inform. 

Experience across biotechnology  

Why I founded Darley Scientific Advisory

I founded Darley Scientific Advisory to provide the kind of independent scientific perspective that can be difficult to access when decisions sit between scientific complexity and strategic priorities.

Darley Scientific Advisory is deliberately independent and focused, bringing scientific depth, R&D experience, and critical judgement to situations where the evidence must be understood before an important decision is made.

The aim is simple: to help decision-makers see the science clearly enough to decide with confidence.

At a glance 

20+ years
Scientific and R&D experience across biotechnology and academia.

European evaluation experience
Evaluator and rapporteur for European research and innovation funding programmes, including Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. 

R&D leadership
Experience leading scientific programmes and multidisciplinary R&D activities across biotechnology.

Independent advisory practice
Founder & Principal Strategic Scientific Advisor, Darley Scientific Advisory.

Let's talk about the science behind the decision

If you are facing a complex biotechnology question and would value an independent scientific perspective, I would be pleased to discuss it.