First Fulbright scholars focus on work mental health

Originally from Sweden, Professor Johan Wiklund is the RMIT Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

The Professor of Entrepreneurship at New York’s Syracuse University will test the notion that far from being a disadvantage in business, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and bipolar conditions may be an asset to entrepreneurship.

Arriving early next year, he will investigate why Australia is less entrepreneurial than the United States and will examine the link between symptoms of mental disorders and entrepreneurship practices and outcomes.

Meanwhile, Dr Louise Byrne from Central Queensland University is the first RMIT Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow.

She will take up a three-year Research Fellowship in July investigating the value of workplace peer supports for those experiencing mental illness.

Byrne says the US leads the way in this area and she will further her research with the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health.

She will also adapt a mental health workplace toolkit developed at Yale for Australian use.

"I’m looking forward to building lasting collaborations with research colleagues at Yale and throughout America as a result of this opportunity," Byrne says.

Professor Pauline Stanton, Head of the School of Management, said she was delighted to welcome the Fulbright scholars.

"Their appointments link mental health with two important research areas within the School, namely Entrepreneurship and Workforce Capability," Stanton said.

"They will contribute to the further development of our key research strength in Diversity and Inclusion and join a number of high profile scholars in this area."

Find out more at RMIT Fulbright Scholars.

Story: Jane Kenrick