Learn from the midwifery experts
Conducting research into the latest healthcare issues is at the forefront of the School of Health Sciences. With us, you’ll benefit from the expertise of our leading researchers and clinicians
Here at the University of Nottingham, we offer a high-quality learning experience through your entire degree. Our academics and healthcare professionals are specialists in midwifery, and they will support you during your time here to help you become the best midwife you can be.
Sit down with Dr Sara Borrelli, the Associate Professor and module leader on your course
Our academics are truly inspirational but don’t just take our word for it. We caught up with one of our midwifery lecturers, Dr Sara Borrelli to ask her about her research, her involvement on the Midwifery BSc and what excites her about being a part of it.
Q. What’s your background and what is your current role?
I am a midwife by background with experience in clinical practice, education, and research. I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery qualifications in Italy, I then completed my PhD in Health Studies at the University of Nottingham. I currently work as Associate Professor and Researcher in the School of Health Sciences.
Q. How has your research impacted your career?
I hold national and international invited roles and memberships, enabling expertise contribution and benefiting the wider professional community including:
- Scientific Committee member for the Italian Scientific Society of Midwifery-Gynaecological-Neonatal Sciences
- invited lecturer at the University of Milano Bicocca (Italy)
- Associate Editor for Women and Birth journal
- peer-reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery
- VITA Network Advisory Council whose aim is to advance the health response to human trafficking and exploitation
- Maternity Stream Research Network and Nottingham Maternity Research Network
I have also led several exchange activities (conferences, physical mobility activities, study tours) involving both national and international partners and students. In 2019, I was awarded the ‘Celebrating Our International Colleagues’ Award for outstanding contribution to the University of Nottingham in education and research.
Q. What research are you currently involved in?
My research programmes involve local, national and international collaborations and focus on topics such as:
- maternity care for women affected by modern slavery
- early labour including perceptions on the potential implementation of a video call service
- midwifery care in labour guidance for all women in all settings
- rupture of membranes; early pushing urge
- students’ global mobility, internationalisation and development of intercultural sensitivity within midwifery higher education settings
- involvement of undergraduate midwifery students in research projects to promote future leaders in evidence-based practice
These projects resulted in papers published in both midwifery academic journals and practice-facing journals, with findings presented at national and international conferences and contributions to policy influencing national guidance. I am also part of the pioneering UoN Online initiative that develops flexible online continuous professional development opportunities enabling knowledge exchange between healthcare professionals with various backgrounds and from different disciplines.
Q. What do you do on the Midwifery BSc course?
I lead the second year ‘Understanding Midwifery Research’ and third year ‘Applying Research Skills to Midwifery Practice’ modules. Other roles I have on the course include being a personal tutor and academic assessor, providing students with pastoral, academic and practice support. I also contribute to the support of students on clinical placements and by undertaking clinical placements’ educational audits.
I always incorporate research, scholarship and professional practice into teaching, and I am committed to advancing midwifery practice to make a difference nationally and globally. My roles work in synergy to achieve this.
Q. What excites you most about the Midwifery BSc course?
I love teaching passionate and enthusiastic midwifery students. Although research is often seen as a challenging topic, I love teaching the subject by employing a variety of teaching methods and seeing students’ research skills flourish.
Q. Is there anything you want future midwifery students to know?
Being a midwife comes with the privilege to be part of the most special moments in people’s lives. Believe in yourself, be kind to yourself, be proactive and take every opportunity you are given to nurture your development as a student midwife and future qualified midwife. I hope to welcome you soon to the University of Nottingham and support your journey to becoming a fantastic midwife.
