Celebrating research excellence and impact
At our annual Staff Research Conference, which took place last month at Cloth Hall Court, Executive Dean Professor Julia Bennell presented our Research Excellence and Research Impact awards.
Professor Bennell comments: “The awards are a celebration of the outstanding contributions our colleagues make through their research, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These awards recognise not only the excellence of our outputs, but also the real-world influence our work is having on policy, practice, and communities.
“They also highlight the strength of our research culture at Leeds University Business School - one that values collaboration, supports talent at every career stage, and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the world.
“Congratulations to all our winners.”
Research Excellence Award
Early Career: This award highlights the achievements of Early Career Researchers at Leeds University Business School (LUBS) who are already demonstrating strong potential as future leaders in their field. It acknowledges high-quality research outputs and a clear trajectory of academic development.
Winners: Stuart Mills and Edika Quispe-Torreblanca
Dr Mills is emerging as a leading voice in the economics of technology from a behavioural economics and political economy perspective. His work on behavioural economics and AI has informed policy frameworks at organisations including the OECD and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and has been featured in high-profile outlets. With a strong publication record and collaborations with global thought leaders, Dr Mills is helping to redefine how governments and regulators approach consumer protection, digital policy, and the use of AI.
Dr Quispe-Torreblanca’s research enhances the academic and practical understanding of household finance, behavioural finance, and the factors influencing financial distress and recovery. Her work uses comprehensive field datasets, including investor and credit card data, and spans both theoretical and empirical analyses. With high-quality publications and partnerships across academia, industry, and government, her work is helping to improve financial literacy, consumer protection, and investment communication.
Research Leadership: This award recognises a LUBS academic who has made a significant contribution to their field over the past four years. It reflects excellence in research outputs, leadership in building research capacity, and a commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion within their discipline and the School, and/or external grant generation.
Winners: Christopher Forde and Dimitrios Georgakakis
Professor Forde is a leading figure in the fields of human resource management (HRM), industrial relations, and the sociology of work. In addition to his own research achievements, he is known for his sustained research leadership and commitment to building capacity across the academic community. Professor Forde has secured major research funding, published widely, and played a pivotal role in shaping national policy through his work on migration, furlough, and digital transformation in the workplace. As Deputy Director of the ESRC-funded Digit Centre and a member of the ReWAGE advisory panel, Chris has consistently demonstrated how rigorous, collaborative research can inform both academic debate and real-world decision-making. His leadership style - marked by integrity, collegiality, and mentorship - has made a lasting impact within LUBS and beyond.
Professor Georgakakis has made an outstanding contribution to research excellence through his influential scholarship, editorial leadership, and global engagement. His publications on strategic leadership and international business has shaped academic thinking across multiple disciplines. His leadership in securing funding, mentoring early-career researchers, and fostering international collaborations reflects a sustained commitment to academic excellence.
Research Impact Award
Early Career: This award recognises Early Career Researchers who are engaging with external partners, shaping policy or practice, and are laying the groundwork for meaningful impact.
Winner: Sarah Jenkins
Dr Sarah Jenkins has played a key role in translating behavioural science research into practical tools and strategies for public sector organisations. Working closely with the UK Met Office and the Office for Product Safety and Standards, her research has informed the development of new flood forecasting services, improved severe weather warnings, and shaped national approaches to product risk assessment and communication. Her work is helping to enhance public safety and decision-making through evidence-based policy and practice.
Impact Leader: This award celebrates established researchers who are leading the way in delivering significant, strategic impact beyond academia.
Winner: Nick Wilson
Professor Nick Wilson’s research has had a significant influence on UK policy in business finance, particularly in supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship. Through sustained engagement with government departments such as HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, his work has shaped national strategies on equity finance, loan guarantee schemes, and regional investment. His analysis has directly informed the allocation of public funds, including the British Business Bank’s regional investment programmes and the UK’s Mansion House pension reforms, demonstrating how rigorous academic research can drive meaningful economic and societal change.
