In Summary

  • Dr Shepherd awarded Christopher Webster Young Scholar Award
  • International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services annually gives the award
  • Dr Shepherd is currently completing a one year Fulbright Fellowship in the USA

Dr Stephane Shepherd from Swinburne’s Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science has been awarded the Christopher Webster Young Scholar Award.

The International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services annually gives the award to an outstanding scholar in recognition of the candidate’s scholarly work and career research.

The award honours Dr Webster’s generosity of spirit, the quality of his work and his instrumental role as a mentor.

“It is certainly an honour to be acknowledged by my international peers in the field for my contributions. It is indeed motivating to know that my research is reaching many people and making a difference,” Dr Shepherd says.

Dr Shepherd says his commitment to diversity issues, challenging ‘one size fits all’ models of health and developing a body a work regarding indigenous and culturally diverse populations are reasons he was chosen for the honour.

Seeking to understand the factors that increase and decrease minority individuals from both criminal justice contact and accessing mental health services are important motivations for Dr Shepherd.

Professor James Ogloff, Director of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, is delighted to learn of Dr Shepherd’s win and hopes it will bolster Swinburne’s reputation.

“It will help us continue to draw visiting scholars and international students, as well as providing additional learning opportunities for our staff and students overseas,” Professor Ogloff says.

“Stephane has already distinguished himself in many ways, including being awarded a Fulbright fellowship to work in the USA this year -  so this is another testament to his strengths.”

Dr Shepherd is currently completing a one year Fulbright Fellowship in the USA where he is researching cultural risk factors for offenders, with a particular focus on indigenous Australians.