An outstanding example of educationalisation at work is CFE’s Professor Rob Perrons, whose work bridges global policy and classroom learning in a way that brings theory vividly to life.
Professor Perrons teaches MGN409, Management Theory and Practice, a course that explores the ethical dimensions of modern business. One lecture in particular focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a framework that encourages businesses to align with global sustainability efforts. But for Perrons, this isn’t just textbook material – it’s personal.
As a member of the UN’s Expert Group on Resources and Energy, Professor Perrons plays a direct role in shaping how global sustainability goals intersect with industry. His work involves advising the UN on emerging trends – such as the impact of artificial intelligence on resource and energy sectors – and helping companies understand and adapt to these shifts. This dual role allows him to infuse his lectures with real-world insights, sharing stories from UN negotiations and examples of how businesses are responding to global challenges.
“I don’t have to talk about the SDGs like they’re some faraway story,” Perrons explains. “I can draw on my own experiences and show students how these goals are being applied in real time, in industries they may one day work in.”
This approach transforms the classroom into a space of active engagement with global issues. Students aren’t just learning about sustainability, they’re learning how it’s shaped, debated, and implemented by the very institutions that define it. The result is a richer, more relevant educational experience that prepares students to think critically and act responsibly in their future careers.
Professor Perrons’ work is a powerful example of educationalisation in action. By integrating his research and advisory roles into his teaching, he ensures that students are not only informed but inspired – ready to contribute to the world with both knowledge and purpose.
Image: Prof Perrons during a panel session at the UN