The Robert D Pearce Prize is a student award that recognises the work of students on research and is focused on supporting innovative ideas in the field of sustainable development.
The prize is to support innovative research in Sustainable Development, in honour of an outstanding academic.
What is the prize for?
The prize will be awarded to those students who demonstrate clear progress in advancing Robert Pearce’s work and wider vision through their research, projects or dissertations broadly aligned with one of the following themes:
- International business and sustainable development
- International development
- Societal impact in low- and middle-income countries (including poverty and hunger reduction and sustainable food systems)
- Climate change, biodiversity and ecological conservation
- Applicants should clearly highlight these contributions in the short abstract or statement included in their application.
About the Professor Robert D. Pearce Prize
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The Professor Robert D Pearce Prize is a student award that recognises outstanding research and projects that support innovative ideas aligned with Robert Pearce’s work and broader vision. The Prize has been made possible by a fund established in honour of Professor Pearce’s legacy as a world-renowned scholar with a particular interest in the socio- economic field. Robert Pearce was a Professor of International Business, and Professor Emeritus of the John H Dunning Centre for International Business, Henley Business School, and Department of Economics, University of Reading, UK. Throughout his career, he inspired and supported many students and colleagues. His research was closely associated with the Reading School of International Business, and, he made significant contributions to studies on foreign direct investment (FDI), multinational enterprises (MNEs), and technology transfer. His work explored MNE’s strategies, the role of subsidiaries in innovation, how FDI contributes to host economies, particularly in facilitating technology transfer and knowledge spillovers in developing countries. Robert’s 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 addresses global challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, biodiversity loss and ecological conservation — aligning closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. |
Who is eligible to apply?
All students enrolled in a programme of study (BSc/BA, MSc or PhD), either at Henley Business School or the University of Reading, will be able to apply for an award from the prize fund. There will be two awards of £250, for PhD theses, one awarded in Summer and Winter graduation respectively, along with an additional four extra sums of £200, of which two awards will go to a PG thesis/project and two will go to a BSc/BA thesis/project. Awards will be presented at graduation ceremonies, where appropriate.
Entry requirements
Applicants must submit their own work after completing the online application or their entry will not be considered. All work submitted will be reviewed by an internal Academic committee, to ensure that the work submitted meets the criteria outlined. Entries will be welcomed on a fluid basis, to reflect the academic year.
For PhD applicants, you must have:
- completed your VIVA and be working on corrections or
- submitted your PhD thesis/project and have your VIVA pending or
- scheduled to submit your thesis within 2 months.
Submitting your application
Submitting your application and award process
Submit your entry for consideration by filling in the application form. Please note that applications will only be considered twice a year. The closing date for submittals are:
- Summer Graduation (UG) will be 30th April 2025
- Winter Graduation (PG) will be October 31st 2025
PhDs are eligible to be awarded at either graduation.