On Wednesday 26 November, academic and professional staff from the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) and Melbourne Business School (MBSL) came together to celebrate the outstanding contributions of colleagues. Over morning tea, the event showcased our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive community, advancing world-class research, supporting professional excellence, and inspiring exceptional teaching.
The annual event recognised the achievements across four categories: Diversity and Inclusion, Professional Staff, Research Excellence, and Teaching Excellence.
Paul Kofman - Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Jenny George - Dean of Melbourne Business School and Co‑Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, presented each winner with a striking figure of Nike, symbolising victory and excellence.
Diversity & Inclusion Excellence
Presented by Professor Isabel Metz, the following awards honoured individuals and teams who have advanced equity, inclusion, and cultural awareness, ensuring FBE remains a place where diversity is celebrated and embedded in practice.
Thought Leadership and Intellectual Contribution
- Associate Professor Victoria Baranov
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
- Doctor Miriam Edwards
Inclusive Teaching
- Doctor Katrina Reynen-Woodward, Associate Professor Samuelson Appau, and Professor Jennifer Overbeck
Professional Staff Awards
Presented by the Executive Director, Diana Dalton, the following awards celebrated professional staff whose dedication, collaboration, and innovation strengthen the Faculty and create an environment where all colleagues feel valued and supported.
Award Recipients
- Doctor Dinah Hippolyte-Blake
- Simon Egerton
- Jennifer La Torre
Shared Services Award
- Dominique Goodwin
Research Excellence
Presented by Professor Simon Bell, these awards honoured research that drives impact, builds partnerships, and contributes to global knowledge, while reflecting the Faculty’s values of integrity and responsibility.
Dean’s Research Awards – Level D–E
- Professor Hari Bapuji
Dean’s Research Awards – Level A–C
- Doctor Marcus Phipps
Dean’s Research Awards – Business and Economics Lifetime Award
- Professor Julie Ozanne
Dean’s Research Engagement and Partnership Award
- Doctor Melek Cigdem-Bayram
- Doctor Ou Yang, Doctor Karinna Saxby, Mr. Ron Fisher, Professor Yuting Zhang, Associate Professor Jongsay Yong
Cynthia Hardy Award for Research Impact
- Doctor Marina Gertsberg
Teaching Excellence
Presented by Professor Peter Gahan, these awards recognised educators who inspire students, innovate in their teaching, and foster inclusive learning environments that place students at the heart of FBE.
Dean’s Excellence Award in Tutoring
- Collin Li
- Commendation: Aaron Fraser
The Carol Johnston Outstanding Early Career Educator Award
- Doctor Ziyi Chen
- Commendations: Dr Andy Wu and Michelle Sabe
Teaching and Learning Innovation Award
- Mrs Emma Power
The Ross Williams Career Achievement award
Presented by Professor Emeritus Ross Williams, the winners of this category were awarded to Professor Liliana Bove and Doctor Andrew Clarke.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Presented by Commerce Student’s Society 2026 President Harvey Burke, this award recognised lecturers who make a lasting impact on the undergraduate learning experience.
Professor Stefan Schantl
Each recognition is a quiet expression of our mission of empowering change makers, advancing excellence in teaching and research, and working with industry to meet society’s challenges.