Stephen Dobson

Stephen Dobson is a Professor and Dean of the School of Education and the Arts at Central Queensland University (Australia), and Professor II at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. With dual PhDs in Cultural Studies/Refugees (Nottingham Trent University, 2000) and Assessment/Education (University College London, 2008), his expertise spans assessment methodologies, inclusive education, and educational philosophy. He co-leads major EU/Erasmus+ projects like Learn2Learn MicroCred (2024–2026), focusing on micro-credentials for disadvantaged groups. Key affiliations include the Centre for Research in Equity & Advancement of Teaching & Education (CREATE) at CQUniversity and the Centre of Excellence for Educating for the Future, collaborating with institutions globally. His research emphasizes digital inclusion, lifelong learning, and bridging societal divides through education.

Notable projects include developing online resources for refugees (ADVENSUS, 2016–2017) and fostering cultural inclusion via creative arts (current PhD supervision). He advocates for oral exams in the AI era and integrates big data/learning analytics into educational practices. Media engagements include analyses of Chinese student success, urban pedagogy, and student well-being in university rankings.

Research interests span education policy, assessment innovation, and the philosophy of education, with publications in Springer, The Conversation, and peer-reviewed journals. Current supervisory capacity focuses on education systems and policy, with active involvement in supervising PhD candidates exploring social engineering, disability in arts, and Islamic school frameworks.