In Summary

  • Professor Beth Webster recognised for contribution to economics of innovation
  • She will be inducted into the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in October 2017

Swinburne’s Professor Beth Webster has been admitted to the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia for her distinguished contributions to the economics of innovation.

Professor Webster is Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research Policy and Impact, and Director of the Centre for Transformative Innovation at Swinburne.

She contributes to evidence-based policy debates in the media and is published regularly in both local and international academic journals on the economics of innovation and firm performance.

“Professor Webster is highly regarded for her contributions to the social sciences, and especially for her research on how knowledge is created and translated through the economy. As Pro-Vice-Chancellor on my leadership team, she is responsible for bringing that important expertise to our research engagement and impact agenda,” Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Aleksandar Subic says.

“To be named a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia is a wonderful achievement and highlights her contribution to social sciences both nationally and internationally. On behalf of the university, I congratulate Beth.”

Professor Webster holds a PhD in economics from the University of Cambridge and economics degrees from Monash University.

Professor Webster is a member of a number of government committees, including the Council for Economic Development Council on Economic Policy, the Advisory Council on Intellectual Property.

“It is a great honour to be nominated to the Academy and I look forward to contributing to the standing of the social sciences in Australia,” Professor Webster says.

ASSA President Professor Glenn Withers AO congratulated the 46 Fellows elected this year, half of whom are female.

“As women hold up half the sky, it is appropriate that these appointments affirm clearly that women and men are being recognised for their equal contribution to social science at the highest levels,” Professor Withers says.

Professor Webster will be inducted into the Academy, alongside 45 other Australian researchers at the Academy’s General Meeting and Annual Symposium to be held in Adelaide from 18-20 October 2017. 

The Academy now numbers a total of 637 distinguished social scientists.