Marian Baird

Professor Marian Baird is a leading academic in industrial relations and gender studies at the University of Sydney Business School. As Professor of Gender and Employment Relations and Co-Director of the Sydney Employment Relations Research Group, she focuses on policy responses to work, care, and gender equity. Her research influences national policies on parental leave, flexible work, and workplace discrimination. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia (FASSA) and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Education:

• Bachelor of Economics (Honours), University of Sydney
• Diploma of Education, University of Sydney
• PhD, University of Sydney

Research Interests: Marian’s work centers on gender equity in employment, industrial relations, and the intersection of work and care. She explores policy frameworks addressing parental leave, eldercare, and workplace harassment. Her research extends to Southeast Asia, focusing on women’s labor market outcomes and organizational policies.

Awards:

• AO (2016) for contributions to women’s working lives and tertiary education
• SUPRA Supervisor of the Year Award (2022)
• Australia Labour and Employment Relations Association Award (2021)

Advisory Roles: Member of the Fair Work Commission Expert Panel (2023), Australian Government Parent Advisory Group (2024), and the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR). She advises on workplace policies for mature workers and care.

Labs/Teams: Co-directs the Women, Work and Leadership Research Group (WWLRG), which focuses on gender equity and labor market dynamics. Leads the Sydney Employment Relations Research Group, influencing policy through applied research.