Who we are
We are a non-profit organisation, and are a group of passionate, visionary professionals united in our belief in the imperative of urgent action to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to help prevent dangerous warming. We believe in the power of technology to supercharge the solutions already found in nature, and we look forward to collaborating with people who share our vision and commitment to a different world.
Dave Hillyard
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive of CTRF since April 2022, Dave holds a BSc in Engineering from the University of Nottingham and an MSc in Environmental Management from Imperial College London. For the past 25 years Dave has worked in the international development, environment and conservation sectors in a variety of leadership roles, collaborating with both the academic and private sector. He has a deep commitment to people and the environment and the scale of the climate crisis has driven his desire to seek and support solutions to the growing challenges humanity will face in tackling the consequences of climate change. Dave grew up in Kenya, spending a lot of time in wild areas where he developed his love of Africa and its wildlife. He continues his passion for wildlife conservation in his role as a UK Trustee for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. He now lives in west Oxfordshire with his family.
Luke Williams
Head of Research Programmes
Luke joined CTRF in January 2024 as Head of Research Programmes. With an academic background covering disciplines across science and engineering, culminating in a PhD in Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Luke can translate between the different disciplinary languages and is enthusiastic about advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Most recently working at UK Research and Innovation, the UK’s main public sector investor in research and innovation, Luke has managed disciplinary focused portfolios of investment including their research strategy, programme development and research opportunities.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, computer-based strategy games, reading science fiction, and researching his family history. He lives in Wiltshire with a number of avocado plants.
Philippa Mina
Head of Communications and Impact
Philippa joined CTRF in 2023 as Communication and Impact Manager, bringing more than 20 years experience as a journalist, communication and strategic partnership specialist, with BBC , ITV, the Telegraph and The Wall Street Journal amongst platforms she has created content and reported for.
Philippa champions the development of clear purpose-led organisational narratives, challenging and inspiring teams to focus on ‘why’ they exist and the societal benefits they bring. Her personal passion for the natural environment is reinforced daily through connecting with nature in her home of Cornwall and deepened by working with academic colleagues who are seeking to understand the connections and opportunities at the intersection of the environment, human health and climate solutions.
Cat Corlett
Partnership and Community Manager
Cat joined CTRF in August 2022, bringing 20+ years of extensive experience as an operations, strategic and project specialist within many different industries in Australia, the US and UK. She specialises in forging strategic alliances that drive impactful and positive environmental outcomes.
Her expertise lies in identifying and cultivating key partnerships that align with CTRF’s goals, leveraging shared resources to implement projects that address the climate challenges. Driven by a deep commitment to tackling climate change, she thrives in building partnerships that accelerate progress and expand the reach of climate solutions, ultimately thriving in a livable planet for all.
Outside of the office, Cat is passionate about reading, yoga, and meditation. Originally from Australia, Cat lived for many years in Texas and now resides in Oxford with her family.
Chantelle Alderson
Research & Operations Manager
Chantelle joined CTRF in April 2023 as Research Grants Manager. With 18 years’ experience in various research grant management roles and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Business Management (UNISA) and the start of the Chartered Management Degree through Oxford Brookes University, Chantelle brings with her extensive experience, knowledge, and training. Most recently, managing a successful, diverse, innovative and world renown Research Group within the Medical Sciences Division of the University of Oxford. These skills will assist her in leading and developing the CTRF research portfolio. Originally from Zimbabwe, Chantelle now resides in West Oxfordshire with her family.
Our Scientific Advisory Council
In early 2023, we established a multidisciplinary Scientific Advisory Council to provide expert oversight and technical advice on our Research Strategy and projects selected for funding. They ensure the rigour of our scientific approach and research excellence. They are a diverse group of leaders in their respective fields, bringing expertise ranging from biological sciences, ocean and ecosystem functions, engineering technology and commercialisation.
Interested in shaping a better world?
As a new organisation, we are ambitious about the long-term impact we want to have. Join our team of diverse, ambitious and motivated people, dedicated to tackling the climate crisis. We are part of the movement of people and organisations, pushing the boundaries of science and research, to make an impact and contribute to a safer future for communities, economies and natural environments. You will be working directly with some of the world’s leading researchers and institutions, to supercharge the solutions already found in nature through the application of biotechnology.
We currently have no new openings. Check back again for new opportunities.
Get in touch
If you are interested in learning more, exploring partner opportunities and have potential research ideas, get in touch below, or at contact@ctrfoundation.com.