Helen Barefoot

Professor Helen Barefoot is a Professor of Learning and Teaching at the University of Hertfordshire, serving as Director of Learning and Teaching and Director of the Centre for Learning, Access and Student Success. She holds a BSc in Human Physiology (University of Hertfordshire, 1998) and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge (2001). Her roles include leading academic staff professional development, overseeing HEA Fellowships, and shaping university strategies for student learning enhancement. She combines neuroscience expertise with pedagogical research, focusing on learning mechanisms, inclusive education, BME attainment gaps, and assessment practices.

Education:

• BSc Hons Human Physiology, University of Hertfordshire (1998)
• PhD in Neuroscience (University of Cambridge, 2001)
• PGCertHE in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (2003)

Research Interests: Her work addresses barriers to academic staff development, e-learning quality assurance, inclusive teaching practices, and BME student success. She has published on topics ranging from neuroscience mechanisms of learning to pedagogical innovations in life sciences education.

Awards:

• Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2013)
• First HEI-based Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors

Advisory Roles & Grants: Leads projects funded by the British Council (e.g., addressing women’s underrepresentation in education leadership). Serves as External Examiner at Edinburgh University and University of Reading. Oversees the online journal ‘Blended Learning in Practice’.

Teams/Labs: Directs the Centre for Learning, Access and Student Success, collaborating with institutions globally to advance educational equity and effective assessment practices.