Ruth Valentine gained a first degree in Food and Human Nutrition from Newcastle University in 1999 followed by a PhD in Molecular Nutrition. After working as a post-doctoral researcher, she secured a lectureship at Northumbria University.
In 2007, Ruth took up a lectureship at Newcastle University, within the School of Dental Sciences, where she balanced her molecular nutrition research with teaching. Taking on various leadership roles within the school, including Chair of Exam Board, Admissions Tutor, and Widening Participation Lead, she was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2010. Continuing to develop her educational leadership portfolio, Ruth took on the faculty roles of Associate Dean for Postgraduate Studies, then Deputy Undergraduate Dean. She is now Dean of Education in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and has recently been successful in promotion to Professor of Educational Engagement.
Ruth 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 an overall strategy for her school. She continues to champion this agenda. 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 interdisciplinary Schwartz Rounds for clinical healthcare students. Enhancing the education portfolio at Newcastle, Ruth recently led the development of the only integrated Master of Dietetics programme in the North East of England, working collaboratively with colleagues at other HEIs and local NHS trusts.
Ruth leads the faculty Educational Research, Development, and Practice (ERDP) Network, a central hub to support colleagues to drive curriculum innovation through education research. She supports colleagues by funding education research and coordinates research seminars and journal clubs, promoted through high-profile advertising and social media.