Prof Karen Benson
Professor Karen Benson
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Karen Benson is an Emeritus Professor at The University of Queensland, with a career that bridges finance research, higher education leadership, and governance. A specialist in funds management and investment research, her work has examined the performance, risk, and governance of mutual funds, superannuation, socially responsible investment, and real estate investment trusts. She has published extensively in leading international journals, attracted significant competitive research funding, and supervised numerous PhD students who now hold academic and industry positions worldwide
Alongside her disciplinary research, Karen has played a central role in shaping higher education strategy and policy. She served as Director of UQ’s Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation, Deputy President of Academic Board, and Head of the Finance Department in the UQ Business School. In these roles, she led institution-wide initiatives in digital learning, assessment, academic integrity, and accreditation, securing major funding and delivering reforms that advanced teaching quality and student the experience.
Karen has also contributed nationally and internationally to academic and professional communities. She was President of the Asian Finance Association, Founding Chair of the Financial Research Network (FIRN) Governing Council, and Deputy Editor of the Australian Journal of Management. She continues to serve in governance roles, including as Chair of Academic Board for a new higher education provider and as a member of the Actuaries Institute Disciplinary Scheme.
Recognised for her ability to integrate deep financial expertise with higher education policy and governance, Karen brings an informed, independent perspective on issues spanning financial markets, university strategy, and professional standards.