From Greece to St Andrews: a journey of science, scents and exploration
Freideriki (Frida) Michailidou (PhD 2017) was named an ‘MIT Innovator Under 35 Europe’; she won the Science and Sustainability Award at the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2024; and she recently delivered a TED Talk discussing the future of scents and sustainability. She is now the founder of OLYMRA, a company focusing on sustainable fragrances. Here, Frida describes her pathway to a PhD at St Andrews and beyond.
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by science, nature, and the enchanting world of scents. Growing up in Greece, I spent countless hours exploring the outdoors, marvelling at the beauty of the natural world. Perfumes became an early passion, blending my love for science with my appreciation for nature. Scents seemed to tell stories of places, memories and emotions, and I often dreamed of creating fragrances that could capture those tales.
This early curiosity and drive for discovery led me to pursue a path in science. My academic journey took me from Greece to France, then to China, and finally to St Andrews. It was a trajectory marked by incredible opportunities, challenges and growth.
The road to St Andrews
In the winter of 2012, I embarked on my first big adventure. I left my home in Greece to participate in an Erasmus exchange programme in France, studying at CPE Lyon and Université Claude Bernard. While I was there, I completed my Masters degree in chemistry. It was a transformative time as it allowed me to deepen my scientific knowledge while adapting to life in a new country and culture. My Masters thesis focused on sustainable chemistry, an area that sparked my passion for environmentally conscious scientific research.
After completing my degree, I moved to Shanghai to work as a research intern at a major international chemical company. This role – within a collaborative research centre where there were a number of French academics – gave me hands-on experience in advanced catalysis.
Shanghai, with its population of over 24 million people, was a whirlwind of activity and growth. The scale, speed and energy of the city were exhilarating in equal measures, but I must admit I found it overwhelming at times.
In the autumn of 2013, I made another bold move – this time to St Andrews – to begin my PhD at the age of 22. Transitioning from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai to the quaint and serene University town was a stark cultural and environmental shift. But it was exactly the environment I needed to focus and grow as a scientist.
A perfect PhD
At St Andrews, I joined Professor Goss’s group. We were studying natural product biosynthesis and developing biocatalytic pathways. It was the perfect PhD for me as it combined all my academic passions: sugar and nucleoside chemistry from my undergraduate studies, sustainable chemistry from my master’s degree, and my excitement about working with natural products and enzymes.
The research was both challenging and rewarding. It allowed me to explore how nature’s chemical diversity could be harnessed for sustainable applications. I learned how enzymes could replace traditional chemical processes, offering greener and more efficient solutions. This work inspired me to think about how science could bridge the gap between innovation and environmental stewardship – a theme that remains central to my work today.
Life beyond the lab
While my research kept me busy, life in St Andrews was also filled with unique experiences and unforgettable memories. I was an active member of the St Andrews Argentine Tango Society, for which I helped organise social events, engage new members and manage communications. I also enjoyed blues dancing with friends and hiking trips to the Highlands, including Glencoe.
Frida hiking in the Higlands. Credit: Dr Stefan Borsley
There is a farm near Glencoe that my friends and I loved to visit, and I spent countless hours walking along the beautiful Fife coastline and exploring the St Andrews Botanic Garden.
Occasionally, we indulged in whisky tastings, immersing ourselves in one of Scotland’s finest traditions. St Andrews offered a perfect balance of intellectual stimulation and serene beauty, making it an ideal place to call home during those years.
Frida at her PhD graduation
Looking back and moving forward
Fast forward a few years and I ended up in Switzerland, working at ETH Zurich, a public research university which focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In 2023, I was named an ‘MIT Innovator Under 35 Europe’ by the MIT Technology Review.
It was while I was working ETH Zurich as a lecturer and project leader that I was shortlisted for the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2024. I was honoured to go on to win the Science and Sustainability Award – it was an incredible moment of recognition and validation for my journey. To be honoured for my academic achievements and passion for sustainability felt deeply rewarding. It reminded me of the power of education and the opportunities it creates to drive positive change.
Winner of the Study UK Alumni Awards Science and Sustainability Award
As I look to the future, I intend to apply the skills, knowledge and experiences I gained at St Andrews to my entrepreneurial journey. My vision is to create sustainable fragrances that honour the natural world and celebrate our cultural heritage. Combining science, art and sustainability, I hope to build a business that inspires others to think differently about how we connect with nature. It’s certainly an exciting time.
Conducting fieldwork at Mount Olympus, Greece. Credit: Lefteris Kipopoulos
It was that entrepreneurial concept that formed the basis of my TED Talk entitled ‘How science can transform the fragrance industry’, which I delivered at Kongresshaus Zurich in October, discussing the future of scents and sustainability.
St Andrews will always hold a special place in my heart. It was here that I grew not just as a scientist but as a person. The University, the community and the stunning landscapes shaped me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary place and its legacy.