Nicholas Freestone

Dr Nicholas Freestone serves as an Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Kingston University within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. His dual expertise spans cardiovascular physiology research and transformative biosciences education leadership, with national influence through roles in the Physiological Society and Royal Society of Biology.

His academic credentials include:

• BSc in Physiology (with Pharmacology) and Psychology
• MPhil in Clinical Biochemistry
• PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology
• PGCHE (Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education)

Freestone's cardiovascular research centers on beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in cardiac myocytes, calcium handling mechanisms, and arrhythmogenesis, utilizing techniques like confocal microscopy and biochemical assays. His educational scholarship pioneers equity-focused pedagogy, investigating BME attainment gaps and digital feedback efficacy in pharmacy education through rigorous national studies.

Publication analysis reveals two distinct trajectories: biomedical investigations into pre-eclampsia and cardiac signaling (2009-2017), and contemporary educational research emphasizing diversity, pandemic-responsive teaching, and assessment innovation (2019-2022), reflecting his dual disciplinary mastery.

His accolades include:

• National Teaching Fellowship (2021)
• UK HEA Bioscience Teacher of the Year (2014/15)
• Senior Fellowship of the HEA
• Fellowship of the Royal Society of Biology

As Principal Investigator for BHF-funded cardiac research at the Babraham Institute and leader of Guardian University Award-shortlisted Pharmaceutical Science programs, Freestone secures strategic partnerships through AdvanceHE and RSB networks. His current RSB 'Bridging the Awarding Gaps' Network co-chairmanship drives systemic change in STEM equity.

He co-chairs the Royal Society of Biology's national 'Bridging the Awarding Gaps' Network and contributes to the British Pharmacological Society's Inclusive Pharmacology Group, building collaborative teams that reshape curriculum standards and award nomination practices across UK biosciences.