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Staff Profile

Professor Ruth Valentine

Pro Vice Chancellor, Education

  • Address: Newcastle University
    King's Gate
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE1 7RU


Background

Ruth Valentine is Pro Vice Chancellor Education at Newcastle University. In this role she is leading the strategic development of an inclusive education for life strategy for the University. Previously she has lead education in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, as Dean of Education (2019-2023). Prior to this she had Faculty roles of Associate Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Deputy Undergraduate Dean.

Ruth is a Professor of Educational Engagement and is passionate about widening participation in higher education and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the imbalance in student demographics often seen in the Medical Sciences. She’s created innovative sessions for school children and teachers, raised awareness at Executive Board level and developed overall strategy. She continues to champion this agenda at University level.

An advocate of interprofessional education (IPE), Ruth has empowered colleagues and students to co-create a Faculty IPE strategy. To increase reach in this area, Ruth works with colleagues nationally on a research project to deliver inter-disciplinary Schwartz Rounds for clinical healthcare students.

Ruth was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship from AdvanceHE in 2023 for her work in the areas of widening access to University. She is a Senior Fellow of AdvanceHE and a Registered Nutritionist.




Teaching

I am Pro Vice Chancellor Education. Prior to this I was Dean of Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences.


Undergraduate Teaching

I continue to teach on several programmes within the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

I teach Nutrition and Diet to BDS and ODHS students

I contribute to Food and Nutrition and Dietetics programmes

Stage 2 NUT2001 Macro and micro nutrients

Stage 3 NUT3001 Nutrition in Health and Disease


Research

Research Interests

I received my first Degree in Food and Human Nutrition from the University of Newcastle in 1999 and a PhD in Molecular Biology in 2002. I believe the combination of these two disciplines represents a powerful approach through which to increase understanding of the relationship between diet and health. I have research interests in nutrient gene interactions with a particular focus on zinc and fluoride.     As my roles have changed at the University, my interests have diversified into education research. I am currently working with students to develop educational tools to provide better dietary advice on dental clinics.



Research Funding


Publications