Lauren Philp-von Woyna is an Associate Professor in Midwifery with a distinguished academic career shaped by a commitment to inclusive, student-centred health education and strategic innovation in healthcare learning. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Lauren has led transformative initiatives across curriculum design, digital pedagogy, and workforce development, underpinned by her specialist interest in the sociocultural influences shaping healthcare education.
Her doctoral research, a multi-case study exploring how sociocultural factors influence student midwife creativity, reflects her passion for amplifying student voices and fostering responsive learning environments. Lauren’s academic journey includes an MA in Education with Distinction, a PgCHPE, and a PgCert in Leading Healthcare Improvements, alongside her foundational training as a midwife. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holds professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as both a Midwife and NMC Teacher.
Currently leading the Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship Programme at the University of Birmingham, Lauren has previously held senior academic roles at the University of the West of England and Staffordshire University, where she was recognised with multiple awards including the Digital Champion Award and Teaching Excellence Award. Her leadership extends beyond institutional boundaries, serving as an External Academic Advisor for curriculum development at the University of Winchester and contributing to national workforce agreements and funding initiatives.
Lauren’s research and editorial contributions span topics such as ethnic inequalities in maternity care, digital influences on birth experiences, and conceptual frameworks for maternal health. She is Editor-in-Chief of Student Voices in Health and Medicine, a platform dedicated to inclusive, student-led scholarship. Her forthcoming book, Unravelling Workplace Culture in Healthcare (Springer Nature), explores the complexities of professional environments in clinical education.
A strategic collaborator, Lauren has led research-based projects such as AVID (Ambition, Vision, and IDentity) in partnership with AdvanceHE, driving measurable change in staff development, peer support, and curriculum cohesion.
Lauren is a sought-after speaker, having delivered invited talks at national and international conferences including the HEE Blended Learning Technology Event, and the International Teaching and Learning Conference.
Naturally curious, resilient, and highly collaborative, Lauren brings strong interpersonal skills and a strategic mindset to every endeavour. Her work continues to empower students, influence policy, and shape the future of midwifery education through research, leadership, and innovation.