Professor Bigby, Australia’s leading social work researcher in the multi-disciplinary field of intellectual disability, is one of 22 new Fellows elected to the ASSA in 2025.
“I am honoured that the academic rigour and impact of my work has been recognised by my election as a Fellow to the ASSA, Australia’s leading academy,” she said.
“Together with being awarded an Order of Australia in June, membership of the Academy will help to raise the profile of the unique issues people with intellectual disabilities face in this time of disability policy turmoil.
“I have been committed to building evidence about practice that supports people with intellectually disabilities to have a good life and effectively translates high level rights into people’s everyday lives”.
Professor Bigby’s work has made a significant contribution to understanding practice and its implementation to support adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in their homes and in the community.
Her work has informed state and federal government practices and policies, in particular the 2023 NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission recommendations for new practice standards for accommodation services now underway.
Professor Bigby was editor of Australian Social Work from 2003 to 2013, is the current editor of the Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, andholds editorial positions on leading journals including Disability and Society and the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She was the founding editor of the practice journal Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Among her many leadership roles, she was Chair of the IASSIDD, Special Interest Group on Aging (2004-2014) and on the executive of the Comparative Policy and Practice Group (2015-ongoing) and Chair since 2024.
La Trobe University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research & Innovation) Professor Chris Pakes congratulated Professor Bigby on her election.
“Professor Bigby has contributed valuable research and knowledge to help improve the lives and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, not just in Australia but globally,” he said.
“Her research and expertise are highly regarded across the world and we are honoured to have her as a valuable member of the La Trobe community.”
The ASSA brings together over 700 of Australia’s leading researchers and professionals across the social science disciplines. Fellows are elected by their peers based on a sustained and internationally distinguished contribution to their field.
New Fellows will be presented their testamurs at a Gala Dinner at The Sydney Opera House.
