Catherine Bishop

Catherine Bishop is an Honorary Research Fellow at Macquarie University's School of Humanities Centre for Workforce Futures. Her research focuses on gender and business history in Australia and New Zealand, with notable works including a biography of missionary Annie Lock and studies on colonial businesswomen. She holds a PhD from the Australian National University (2012) and has held visiting roles at Northumbria University (2019) and the University of Sydney (2018-2020).

Her research interests span female entrepreneurship in the 19th century, colonial economic systems, and the intersection of gender with legal and commercial frameworks. Recent projects include a DECRA-funded study on Australian businesswomen since 1880 and research on post-WW2 World Youth Forums.

Key publications analyze topics such as licensing laws affecting married women, the hidden contributions of female department store founders, and methodological approaches to studying global businesswomen. Bishop has received awards including the Ashurst Business Literature Award and Australian Academy of Humanities grants.

Her work has been featured in media including TV3 The Cafe, Radio National, and multiple public engagement activities. Current projects explore transnational women's networks and the legacy of colonial business practices.