Sara Namvar

Dr. Sara Namvar is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, School of Science, Engineering & Environment. She joined the University in 2018 after seven years of postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester and currently serves as Directorate Head of Student Experience while leading the Biomedical Science programme. Her dual expertise spans respiratory biology and biomedical education, making significant contributions to both scientific research and pedagogical innovation.

Education:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), University of Salford (2019-2020)
• PhD in Neuroscience, University of Manchester (2007-2011)
• Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience (2003-2006)

Dr. Namvar's research program bridges fundamental science and educational practice. In respiratory biology, she investigates asthma mechanisms, particularly focusing on Aspergillus fumigatus and its role in airway inflammation and remodeling in fungal-sensitized individuals. Her educational research centers on graduate capital development, student employability, and innovative teaching methods that enhance engagement. She has pioneered authentic learning experiences including pathology specimen reception simulations and TED-style talks that develop professional skills. Her work with diverse student populations, many from underprivileged backgrounds, informs her inclusive educational approaches.

Analysis of her publication trends reveals increasing integration between her scientific and educational research domains. Recent publications demonstrate how understanding disease mechanisms directly informs better training for future healthcare professionals, with growing emphasis on employability and authentic learning experiences alongside continued contributions to respiratory biology.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• IBMS Educational Institute of the Year (2024)
• Times Higher Most Innovative Teacher of the Year (Shortlist) (2021)
• Times Higher Most Innovative Teacher of the Year (Nomination) (2022)
• Renal Tract conference, best oral presentation (2018)
• Trevor Cook Award for best oral presentation (2017)
• University of Salford Merit Award (2022)

Dr. Namvar has secured multiple research grants including the KidsCan Student Placement Grant (£2,000, 2019), 'Investigating the role of Endothelin-1 in A. fumigatus driven airway remodelling' (2019-2020), and 'Inorganic chaperons fused fungal derived chemotherapies for neuroblastoma' (PhD studentship, 2019-2022). She has organized significant events including the Human and Natural Sciences Careers festival (2021-2024), Future Health Conference (2020), and 'Current Challenges, Innovative Practice and Student Experience in Physiology Education' (2024). As Academic Editor for the Bioscientist magazine, she has co-created an initiative resulting in over 100 peer-reviewed articles by Salford students.

Dr. Namvar serves in multiple leadership roles including Elected Member of University Senate (2021-2024, 2024-2027), Deputy Chair of the academic bureaucracy review (2024-2025), and membership on the Equity in Learner Outcomes Task and Finish Group (2023-2024). Her work on the 'Current Challenges' physiology education event and special issue on 'A Global Perspective on Current Research in Physiology Education' demonstrates her commitment to advancing teaching practices across the sector.