Professor Priscilla Dunk-west

Professor Priscilla Dunk-West is a sociologist and social worker with experience across academic and practice domains in Australia and England. Her scholarly work is characterised by a nuanced focus on critical research areas including identity, sexuality, relationships, and parenting, with particular expertise in qualitative research methodologies.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has made substantial contributions to social work education, having taught comprehensively across social work program curricula. Her seminal text, How to be a Social Worker (published by Palgrave Macmillan, Bloomsbury), has emerged as an influential resource for emerging social work professionals, supporting students' critical reflection and professional identity development. The text's international resonance is evidenced by its translation into Swedish, and its forthcoming third edition further underscores its ongoing relevance.

Priscilla has produced six books, with her most recent collaborative work, Qualitative Social Research: Critical Methods for Social Change (Routledge, 2024), co-authored with Dr. Saxton, representing her continued commitment to advancing social justice centred research practices.

Her research has been consistently recognized through significant funding, having secured over $2 million in research grants across various investigative roles, including lead, co-, and associate investigator. These grants span category 1-3 funding streams, reflecting the rigorous and impactful nature of her scholarly work.

Committed to research translation and public engagement, Priscilla is a sought-after expert who frequently provides commentary across media platforms, including print, radio, television, and social media. Her dedication to bridging academic research with broader public discourse distinguishes her as a leading voice in her field.