Our People

Dr Sara Ratner

Junior Research Fellow

Research Officer, Department of Education

PhD (University of Sydney); GradDip of Psychology (University of New South Wales);  Master’s of Educational Leadership  (University of New South Wales); Bachelor’s (Edith Cowan University); Cert of Gifted Education (University of New South Wales)  

Sara is a Research Officer at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education, where she contributes to the Learning for Families through Technology (LiFT) project. Her research interests lie at the intersection of education policy, pedagogy and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on equitable access to quality education for all.  

The LiFT project investigates the educational potential of app-based interactive activities for children and families, focusing on language learning, creativity development, and parent-child interaction through technology. Building on this, Sara’s work to develop guidelines for the safe and ethical use of Generative AI in education highlights her commitment to integrating innovative technology with pedagogical best practice.  

Sara holds a PhD in Education from the University of Sydney, where her research focused on national education policies and the international assessments used to measure their success. During her doctoral studies, she was awarded several scholarships including a travel scholarship which facilitated her recognition as a student at the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA). She also holds a Master of Educational Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, as well as a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Edith Cowan University. 

Sara has extensive experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, and university lecturer in Australia. She also served as a C-suite executive for a global EdTech company, supporting large-scale digital assessments. Her diverse professional background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, both nationally and internationally. As such she regularly advises policymakers, intergovernmental agencies and industry partners working towards improved educational outcomes for learners.