The Professor Robert D Pearce Prize was created in honour of the late Professor Robert D Pearce in 2022 in memory of a world-renowned Henley Business School scholar. It is a student award, focused on sustainability, that recognises outstanding research and projects that support innovative ideas aligned with his work and broader vision.
Robert’s research made significant contributions to studies on foreign direct investment (FDI), multinational enterprises (MNEs), and technology transfer. His broader vision was centred on empowering low and middle income countries by providing the knowledge and expertise needed for sustainable growth. He championed research that aligned closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, such as poverty, hunger, climate change, and ecological conservation.
What is the prize for?
The prize is awarded to students who demonstrate that they are clearly progressing Robert Pearce’s work and wider vision through their dissertation or final project.
This can encompass any of the following themes:
- International Business
- Global Development
- Technological Innovation
- Environmental Change
- Societal Impact in Low and Middle Income Countries
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Who is eligible?
This award is open university wide to all students enrolled in any BSc/BA, MSc/MA or PhD programme of study, at Henley Business School or the University of Reading.
What is the prize?
The prizes are monetary awards given in the academic year to those who are eligible to graduate:
- Up to Two awards of £250, for PhD theses, one awarded in Summer and Winter graduation
- Up to Two awards of £200, for PG thesis/project given at Winter graduation
- Up to Two awards of £200, for UG thesis/project given at Summer graduation
The review committee reserves the right to award less than two awards at their discretion, depending on the quality of the submissions and eligibility.
When is the application deadline?
The closing date for submittals are:
- 31st May 2026 (UG) for Summer Graduation
- 31st October 2026 (PG) for Winter Graduation (Application will re-open August 2026)
PhD students can receive the award at either graduation.
How do I apply?
Submit your entry by filling in the application form
Applicants must submit their final project or dissertation after completing the online application. Applicants should also highlight how their work meets the criteria of the award in the form.
An internal Academic committee, comprised from Henley Business School and University of Reading academics reviews all work and decides the winners.
Please visit our website for more information about requirements for PhD applicants.
Examples of previous Professor Robert D Pearce prize winners:
- Elda Celislami, Doctoral Researcher in Economics, ‘Three essays in Economics of crime, corruption and conflict.’
- Lucie Collett, MA Archaeology, ‘Archaeology and Sustainability: How can developer-led archaeology in the UK inform present-day sustainable development?’
- Lucy Mesa, MSc Project Management at School of Built Environment, ‘Delivering Net Zero Carbon Targets in Office Retrofits.’
- George Georghiades, MSc Project Management at School of Built Environment, ‘How Have Sustainability Requirements Impacted the Role and Everyday Practice of a Project Manager?’
- Natasha Wale, PGDip in International Business Management, ‘Developing an Environmental Social Governance framework for internationally operating activewear brands with application to Sweaty Betty Limited.’
- Yi Hu, Doctoral Researcher in Finance at ICMA Centre, ‘Essays on Corporate Social Responsibility and Culture.’
You can see a full list of the previous winners on the website.
Please contact development@henley.ac.uk if you have any questions.
