Dr Annette Sorensen

Senior Teaching Fellow

Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Personal statement

Director of International Programme | Teaching Fellow in Pharmacology and Biochemistry

I am Director of the International BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Pharmacology programme at the University of Strathclyde, delivered in collaboration with China Pharmaceutical University (CPU).

Appointed to this role in 2022, I provide academic leadership and coordination across all aspects of the programme, including curriculum development, quality assurance, student progression, and collaboration with colleagues at both institutions. The programme admits students who complete Years 1 to 3 at CPU and the final Honours year at Strathclyde. I have contributed to teaching delivery in China since 2018.

Alongside this role, I am a Teaching Fellow in Pharmacology and Biochemistry within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS).

Teaching and Scholarship Interests

My teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across SIPBS, including the Biomedical Science and Pharmacy degrees, as well as the international joint programme with CPU. I coordinate multiple modules.

My scholarly interests focus on inclusive educational practices, digital equity, ethical curriculum innovation, and public health education. I lead several pedagogical research projects aimed at advancing equality and access in biomedical education. These include investigations into inclusive assessment design; the integration of ethical in vivo alternatives such as the CAM model; a longitudinal study on student engagement with generative AI tools in learning; and the co-creation of a buddy system that supports international student transition, promotes academic confidence, and fosters peer-to-peer support.

I also lead research in public health education and cancer prevention, with a particular emphasis on addressing health inequalities through awareness and education. I lead collaborative projects investigating awareness of HPV-associated cancers, HPV vaccination, and the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for oral cancer. These projects are delivered in partnership with Public Health Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, and academic colleagues, and are designed to inform inclusive public health messaging and targeted prevention strategies. Much of my research is carried out in collaboration with Honours and postgraduate students, ensuring strong integration of teaching, research, and scholarship, and providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world, impact-driven research.

In addition, I contribute to widening participation through initiatives such as the long-running PCR for Schools programme, which introduces secondary school pupils to molecular biology through hands-on workshops and promotes equitable access to laboratory-based science education.

This collective body of work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Expertise

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Prize And Awards

Strathclyde teaching excellence Award: Recipient; 20/5/2022
Travel award: Recipient; 2013
Winner of Dragons den event at research day 2011 and 2012: Recipient; 2011

More prizes and awards

Publications

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Publications

Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPEs) as an Inclusive Assessment Tool for Integrative Pharmacology Curricula: Coubrough Katie, Tinto Kirsty, Wahid Maheen, Klemm Nicholas, Sorensen Annette, Plevin Robin, Seeley Aidan, Kelly-Laubscher Roisin, Cunningham Margaret Rose; Learning and Teaching Day (2026)
Improving access to practical molecular biology : development and evaluation of a university-led PCR workshop for schools: Sorensen Annette, Coubrough Katie, Dowdells Catherine, Carter Katharine C, Tate Rothwelle J, Pickard Benjamin S, Neves Karla B, Murphy Fiona; Journal of Biological Education (2026); https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2026.2652871
Awareness of HPV-related cancers and the HPV vaccination programme in Scotland : a cross-sectional study of gender, deprivation and knowledge gaps: Nguyen-Thanh Huyen, Marshall Leah, Wilson Hannah, Stewart Kirsty, Kavanagh Kimberley, Sorensen Annette; Journal of Public Health Vol 48, pp. 239-248 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaf136
Objective structured practical examinations (OSPEs) as an inclusive assessment tool for integrative pharmacology curricula: Coubrough Katie, Tinto Kirsty, Wahid Maheen, Klemm Nicholas, Sorensen Annette, Plevin Robin, Seeley Aidan, Kelly-Laubscher Roisin, Cunningham Margaret Rose; British Journal of Pharmacology Vol 183, pp. 731-732 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.70263
A bifunctional anti-PD-1/TGF-β fusion antibody restores antitumour immunity and remodels the tumour microenvironment: Nan Lidi, Qin Yuting, Huang Xiao, Pan Mingzhu, Wang Xiaomu, Lv Yanqing, Sorensen Annette, Kang Xiaoqiang, Ling Hong, Zhang Juan; International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol 26 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157567
Assessment of the developing Chick Embryo as an in vivo pharmacology model for undergraduate teaching: Sorensen Annette, Gardiner Hannah, McCabe Samantha, Mullen Calum, Horan Linda, Boyd Marie; International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Education Satellite Meeting, pp. P10 (2023)

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Research

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Professional Activities

Glasgow Science Festival 2025: Participant; 14/6/2025
Tea, Weather and Queues: A cultural guide for studying in Scotland: Speaker; 15/4/2025
19th Sino-Foreign Cultural Exchange Week - China pharmaceutical university: Chair; 15/4/2025
Student Engagement event at China Pharmaceutical University: Advisor; 12/4/2025
China Pharmaceutical University: Visiting lecturer; 6/4/2025
Gen AI Workshop: Participant; 24/3/2025

More professional activities

Projects

Developing and Evaluating a Game-Based Learning Resource to Support Vocabulary and Conceptual Understanding in undergraduate Pharmacology and Biochemistry Students: Sorensen, Annette (Principal Investigator) Sorensen, Pernille (Co-investigator); Students enrolled on the joint University of Strathclyde–China Pharmaceutical University programmes complete a Strathclyde-designed curriculum delivered entirely in English. While students typically demonstrate strong academic ability, many experience ongoing challenges when required to articulate scientific concepts in English, particularly within interactive and discussion-based teaching contexts.
For students studying in an additional language, difficulties in explaining concepts may reflect linguistic barriers rather than a lack of underlying understanding. Developing the ability to clearly articulate scientific concepts verbally is closely linked to improved conceptual organisation and written explanation, both of which are critical for success in assessments, laboratory reports and later-stage coursework. Low-stakes verbal explanation therefore acts as a foundation for both spoken and written scientific communication.
These challenges can persist throughout the degree programme and may limit participation in active learning, presentations and group work. Introducing structured, low-stakes opportunities to practise explanation and discussion early in the curriculum can play a critical role in establishing confidence, vocabulary and communication habits that support learning in later years.
Game-based learning approaches offer a structured and engaging framework for such activities, encouraging retrieval, explanation and peer interaction. However, there is limited evaluated use of simple, discipline-specific board-game approaches within undergraduate Pharmacology and Biochemistry teaching. This project aims to address this gap through the development and evaluation of a tailored learning resource aligned with the needs of students studying in English as an additional language.; 01-Jan-2026 - 01-Jan-2027
Peer-Led Integration: Co-Creation of a Cross-Cultural Buddy Scheme for Academic Confidence and Belonging: Sorensen, Annette (Principal Investigator) Yilan, Sasanka (Co-investigator) Lelei, Xiao (Co-investigator); 15-Jan-2025
Development of a novel treatment for therapy resistant triple negative breast cacner: Boyd, Marie (Principal Investigator) Sorensen, Annette (Research Co-investigator); EPSRC/SEA PhD project and self funded PhD project and internationally funded PhD project; 01-Jan-2024
Inclusive Assessment Strategies in International Biomedical Education: Evaluating Impact on Student Attainment: Sorensen, Annette (Principal Investigator) Jeacock, Kiani (Co-investigator) Cunningham, Margaret Rose (Co-investigator) Coubrough, Katie (Co-investigator); 30-Jan-2024
SIPBS Open Doors day 2024: Boyd, Marie (Principal Investigator) Mullen, Alexander (Principal Investigator) Sorensen, Annette (Academic); SIPBS Open doors day welcomes the public in for a behind the scenes day showcasing some of our science in a lay manner and promoting what we do to the general public; 08-Jan-2024
Understanding Student Engagement with Generative AI: Sorensen, Annette (Principal Investigator); Understanding Student Engagement with Generative AI: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study; 01-Jan-2024