Professor Blair Grubb was appointed as the Vice-Principal for Education from August 1, 2019.

Professor Grubb was formerly the Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) for the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool, a position he held since March 2016. Whilst at Liverpool he was also Dean of the Institute of Life & Human Sciences for two years, and before that, Head of the School of Life Sciences. Key achievements during this time included leading a team that reinvigorated the undergraduate Psychology programme and chairing a university-wide project board working to transform the student digital journey. A highly experienced Life Sciences academic and leader, Professor Grubb also worked closely with undergraduates and postgraduates across his Faculty to improve the student experience and student engagement at Liverpool.

Before joining Liverpool, Professor Grubb was Head of the Department of Cell Physiology & Pharmacology at the University of Leicester for nine years. His department had an excellent reputation for Life Sciences research, and he also led the development of two highly successful undergraduate programmes. 

Professor Grubb holds a BSc Biological Sciences (Physiology) from the University of Edinburgh and obtained his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Newcastle. He has worked in several clinically relevant research areas, publishing papers that attempt to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying chronic pain, stroke damage, and noise-induced hearing loss.

He has been a member of his professional body, the Physiological Society, for many years and chaired their national Education and Outreach Committee for four years.