Sarah Gretton

Prof Sarah Gretton is a Professor and Director of the University of Leicester Education Academy, serving as the Academic Lead for Education for Sustainable Development. She holds roles in the School of Biological Sciences, overseeing interdisciplinary science programs and postgraduate education. Her career includes research on hepatitis C virus (HCV) cellular biology and virology, transitioning into educational leadership focused on STEM pedagogy and sustainable development integration.

Prof Gretton earned a BSc in Medical Microbiology from the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD on HCV at the University of Glasgow. Her academic journey includes research fellowships at the University of Leeds and teaching roles at Nottingham Trent University and Leicester's GENIE Centre. She was instrumental in launching the Natural Sciences (Life and Physical Sciences) program and led the successful UK Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence 2017.

Her research interests bridge virology and educational innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary science education, flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, and sustainable development in academia. Awards include the National Teaching Fellowship (2021) and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). She has pioneered initiatives embedding sustainability into university operations and international program collaborations.

Prof Gretton's contributions span curriculum design, faculty development, and policy implementation. She advises on STEM teaching recognition systems and early-career academic challenges. Her work integrates cutting-edge pedagogy with practical sustainability frameworks, shaping both scientific research and educational practices at Leicester.