Responsibility and inclusivity

Dr Ali Sheikhbahaei, 2025

Dr Ali Sheikhbahaei is a great example of someone who quietly but consistently lives out the values of responsibility, inclusivity, and long-term thinking in both his teaching and research. As an education-focused academic in the Department of Banking and Finance, Ali manages to balance a heavy teaching load with a strong research profile—something that’s not easy to do, and something he’s worked hard to maintain.

In the classroom, Ali’s approach is always student-centred. He thinks deeply about the kind of world students are heading into, and what skills and habits of mind they’ll need to navigate it. His teaching practices reflect that. For instance, his scenario-based learning model using Generative AI, which was recently recognised with the 2024 Bloomberg Award for Innovative Teaching, isn’t just about using new technology for the sake of it. It’s about helping students build confidence in their own reasoning before turning to AI—and understanding when and how to use these tools responsibly. This kind of teaching reflects a value system that prioritises critical thinking, ethical awareness, and sustainable learning habits.

What’s equally important is that Ali hasn’t let go of research, despite his education-focused role. He continues to publish in respected journals, with recent work in the Journal of Banking and Finance and Journal of Business, Finance and Accounting exploring themes like corporate misconduct, governance, and information innovation. These are not just technical topics—they touch on real issues of accountability, trust, and impact, showing that his research is also guided by broader values.

Ali also brings a quiet sense of inclusion into his institutional contribution. Coming from a minority background himself, he’s especially mindful of the challenges some students face and works to create a learning environment where everyone feels seen and supported. His efforts to establish a scholarship for female Master’s students from underrepresented groups, in collaboration with an industry partner, is a great example of turning values into practical support.

Ali may not seek the spotlight, but his work reflects a steady, values-based approach that benefits students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. He would be a thoughtful and genuine contributor to the SIP’s Values Voices initiative.