Penny Jane Burke

Professor Penny Jane Burke is a leading academic and UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice, and Higher Education at the University of Newcastle. She directs the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, focusing on systemic inequalities, gender-based violence, and transformative educational practices. Her work bridges research, policy, and practice, emphasizing praxis-based methodologies to address marginalization.

Education: PhD (University of London), Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Education.

Research Interests: Equity in higher education, social justice frameworks, gender equity, policy analysis, and global educational systems. Her recent work includes combating gender-based violence through education and advancing equity in STEM globally.

Publications: Over 50 journal articles, 10 books, and influential reports like the International Literature Review of Equity in Higher Education. Notable books include Equity in Higher Education: Time for Social Justice Praxis (2025) and Changing Pedagogical Spaces in Higher Education (2017).

Awards: UK National Teaching Fellowship (2008), UNESCO Chair appointment (2023).

Grants: Over $3.5M in research funding, including projects on gender-based violence and equity recovery post-pandemic.