Sarah Flanagan

Professor Sarah Flanagan is a leading academic in the field of monogenic diabetes and congenital hyperinsulinism at the University of Exeter Medical School, where she co-leads the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Health research department. With over 265 publications and 50+ invited lectures globally, her work bridges clinical research, genetics, and precision medicine.

• Education
  • PhD in Genetics, University of Exeter (2005-2007)
  • BSc (Hons) in Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol (2000-2003)

Research Interests focus on monogenic disorders of insulin secretion, congenital hyperinsulinism, and the application of genetic testing to improve diabetes diagnosis. Her team's work on genotype-phenotype correlations and novel gene discovery has transformed clinical management for rare metabolic conditions.

Recent Publications highlight advancements in identifying pathogenic variants (PAX4, HK1, SLC16A1), improving genetic testing protocols, and exploring life-course implications of monogenic diabetes. These studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, molecular genetics, and clinical translation.

• Scientific Awards & Fellowships
  • Wellcome Trust/Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (2015)
  • Wellcome Trust Senior Researcher Fellowship (2021)
  • European Association for the Study of Diabetes-SGGD Rising Star award (2015)
  • GB Morgagni Award (2018)
  • Genetics Society Balfour Lecture (2019)
  • 2023 Be My Sugar Top Researcher award
  • 2025 Starling Medal

Advising & Grants: Sarah leads a research program funded by Wellcome Trust, with partnerships like Congenital Hyperinsulinism International enabling free global genetic testing for over 1,000 children. Her leadership in the SUSTAIN Academy of Medical Sciences program underscores her commitment to advancing women in science.

Labs & Teams: Based at the RILD Building in the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, her team collaborates with the University of Exeter Medical School and NHS Genomics Laboratory. The lab's work has established Exeter as a global reference center for hyperinsulinism genetic testing.