13 July 2026
"This recognition reflects the value of embedding experiential learning within responsible management education"
Professor Alex Hope (right) collecting the honour on behalf of Dr Mahtab (Matti) Morovat (BEM), with Dr David Steingard, Head of PRME
The University of Sunderland is among a select group of international education providers recognised for their excellence in embedding sustainability and responsible management practices into business education.
The PRME Education Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by business and management faculty who embed sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their curricula, pedagogy, and research. Administered by the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)(opens in new tab) – an initiative of the UN Global Compact – the awards honour initiatives that drive meaningful change in how future leaders are educated.
Dr Mahtab (Matti) Morovat (BEM), Lecturer in Business at the University, received a Disciplinary Honorable Mention for Project Management: Transformative Pedagogy: Student-Led Projects Driving Social Impact and Responsible Management at the 2026 PRME Education Awards.
“I am honoured,” Dr Morovat said.
“This recognition reflects the value of embedding experiential learning within responsible management education. Through partnerships with regional charities over the past four years, students connected theory with practice while engaging directly with real social challenges and contributing to meaningful social impact.
“At the heart of this work was a clear aim: to create engaging learning experiences that help students think critically about sustainability and understand their role in shaping a better and more sustainable future. This recognition is both humbling and motivating, and a reminder of what is possible when meaningful learning is supported by committed colleagues, students, and community partners.”
Professor Alex Hope, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University’s Faculty of Business and Technology, who accepted the honour on Dr Morovat’s behalf at the 2026 PRME Global Forum in Cairo, Egypt, said: "Attending the PRME Global Forum in Cairo and seeing Dr Morovat receive this recognition was a proud moment for the University of Sunderland.
“To be honoured among 43 submissions from 22 countries reflects the quality of her pedagogical innovation and the community partnerships she has sustained over four years.
"This is exactly the kind of work that defines our approach to responsible management education at Sunderland Business School, grounding students in real social challenges and demonstrating that business education can be a meaningful force for social good.”
A judging committee of the PRME Secretariat and PRME-affiliated academic leaders judged submissions from 22 countries to select the winners, runners-up, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Creativity, and Disciplinary Honorable Mentions, for their ability to inspire meaningful change in the way future business leaders are educated.
Dr David Steingard, Head of PRME, said: “The 2026 PRME Education Awards highlight the depth and diversity of efforts taking place across our global community to advance responsible management education.
“This year’s awardees demonstrate how rigorous, thoughtfully designed education can meaningfully contribute to the SDGs and better prepare students to navigate complex global challenges.
“The 2026 awardees exemplify what’s possible when educators thoughtfully integrate the SDGs and Principles of PRME into teaching, research, leadership, and institutional practice. Their efforts have not only elevated student learning and skill development but also contributed to a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally relevant model of business education. By celebrating these leading examples, PRME aims to inspire continued innovation and shared learning across its global network.”
Learn more about the 2026 PRME Education Award winners here.