Dr Bugby completed her PhD in 2015 at the Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Leicester. Her thesis focussed on the development of a portable gamma camera for medical imaging, a technology that was subsequently licensed for commercial manufacture and is now in clinical trials.

In September 2019, Sarah joined Loughborough University as a Lecturer in Physics and member of the Centre for Sensing and Imaging Science. Her research focus is radiation imaging including areas such as novel materials, Monte Carlo modelling, detector characterisation, image analysis, and imaging system design and testing.

She is committed to moving her research beyond the lab, so that it can make a difference to society. She has a strong track record in translation and innovation, collaborating closely with industrial and clinical partners in interdisciplinary areas. Applications of her work include cancer diagnosis and treatment, and nuclear decommissioning. Find out more. She welcomes collaborations with other academics, organisations and industries. 

At Loughborough, she teaches medical physics and leads the second year undergraduate laboratory module where students develop skills in experimental physics, data analysis, rapid prototyping, project management, team working, and health and safety.

Additionally, as the Placements and Employability Coordinator within the department, Dr. Bugby plays a vital role in connecting businesses with talented, industry-ready physics graduates. If you are interested in hiring highly skilled graduates, please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss ways to connect your business with our students.

Research areas

  • External roles

    • Institute of Physics Medical Physics Group Committee (2018 – present)
    • Midlands Medical Imaging Network Committee (2019 – present)
    • Impact lead – STFC Cancer Diagnosis Network+ (2019 – present)
    • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021 – present)
    • External examiner for Medical Physics MSc, University of Surrey (2023 – present)
    • STFC Public Engagement Early-Career (PEER) Forum (2019-2023)
    • Active reviewer for funding bodies, journals, and conferences.

    Outreach and public engagement

    Dr Bugby is involved with the Loughborough University outreach project "Life Through A Lens", developing fun hands-on activities inspired by the physics of imaging to encourage young people to explore scientific phenomena and support them to gain a deeper understanding of where these subjects might take them. Activities are supported by the Institute of Physics and can be adapted for age five and upwards for use at national science festivals, school visits and community groups. For more information: www.lboro.ac.uk/life-through-lens

    She is happy to be contacted about public engagement activities including local events, traditional media, podcasts, public lectures, and school talks.