Shaping the future of education and AI: Professor Phillip Dawson joins Monash

The Faculty of Education is delighted to welcome Professor Phillip (Phill) Dawson as Professor of Research.

Professor Dawson joins Monash from Deakin University where he was Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE). A distinguished scholar ranking among the top higher education researchers worldwide, he brings over two decades of transformative insight to the university, with expertise spanning assessment, feedback, academic integrity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education.

His research addresses two defining questions for modern higher education: how to design authentic assessments in the AI era, and how to help students make the most of feedback. Moving beyond concerns over AI cheating and digital proctoring, Professor Dawson’s work advocates for a fundamental redesign of assessment practice, focusing on process orientated learning, and ethical tool use that is valid and appropriate in a time of artificial intelligence. Alongside his assessment security framework, which has shaped national policy with TEQSA, Professor Dawson is internationally recognised for his pioneering work on “feedback literacy”. Drawing on behavioural change science, he equips learners with essential lifelong skills for their future careers.

Holding a PhD in Education and Honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Wollongong, as well as previous academic positions at Monash and Deakin University’s renowned research centres, Professor Dawson bridges the gap between technical acumen with educational policy.

Alongside his scholarly impact, Professor Dawson brings a strong commitment to mentoring and developing researchers, as well as extensive experience in academic leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

A frequent voice in national and international discussions on higher education, Professor Dawson’s research has been featured by the BBC, Financial Times, The Australian, ABC TV, Times Higher Education, VOX, the Geelong Advertiser and VICE, as well as being cited in parliamentary debate. Outside of his formal academic duties, he is also known for producing and performing in The Peer Revue, an academic-themed improv comedy show.

The Faculty of Education looks forward to Professor Dawson’s research playing a vital role in ensuring that assessment remains rigorous, meaningful and centred on genuine student growth as Monash continues to innovate its teaching and learning strategies for the future.