Professor Deborah Goodwin OBE

Deborah was invited to return to her Alumna University so that Exeter students can experience and benefit from her considerable academic knowledge and practical experience in Negotiation, Influence and Conflict Resolution. She is an applied, practical academic whose career has seen her draw upon her academic knowledge to develop applied negotiation skills courses and training for thousands of student practitioners. She produces and delivers informative, lively and engaging sessions to build informed skill sets.  Her doctorate is in Applied Negotiation, and she studied for this at the Department of Politics at the University of Reading (2002). Her ground-breaking research in negotiation in conflict contexts has been described as seminal by national and international academics, and as the leading authority in this context. In 2007 she was named as 'an extraordinary woman' working in the field of conflict resolution by PeaceDirect NGO, UK. In 2009, the United Nations awarded her a Commendation for her voluntary negotiation work since 2000. This is a rare accolade for a civilian.  In 2013, she was elected to the Board of the Jean Monnet Association, Paris, and remains the first UK academic ever awarded this distinction. (The Association recognises contributions in the international field of diplomacy). She is also a qualified crisis negotiator and was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2017. In July 2019 she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Reading. This distinction is in recognition of her significant work in the field of negotiation and diplomacy. She has travelled the world assisting practitioners in the art of negotiation. 2018-2021 Associate Professor (Hon) Faculty of HASS, University of Exeter. In 2020 she was a finalist for the University of Exeter Student Guild 'Inspirational Teaching' award (nominated by students).  In 2023 she was nominated for the University ESE Academic of the year award, and in 2024 she was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award for Degree Apprenticeships (nominated by students).