Nominations for Honorary Fellowships
Centre for Business & Economic Research

What is an Honorary Fellowship?
The Honorary Fellowship is the highest accolade awarded by the Centre for Business & Economic Research (CBER). It recognises individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the fields of business, leadership, and management—whether through entrepreneurship, innovation, academic research, thought leadership, or professional practice.

This prestigious honour is reserved for those whose work has had significant national or international impact. The Centre awards no more than FIVE Honorary Fellowships per year, reflecting the distinction and exclusivity of this recognition.

Who can put forward nominations?
Nominations may be submitted by any current Fellow or Member of the CBER.
Each nominator must also provide the names of two (2) independent referees who can attest to the impact, relevance, and distinction of the nominee’s contributions. These referees must come from diverse backgrounds—academic, professional, or community-based—to demonstrate the breadth and reach of the nominee's influence.

A referee may support only one nomination per year, and each Fellow or Member may submit only one nomination per year.

How can I nominate someone?
Nominations are accepted year-round and can be submitted via email. Once received, the nomination will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the Awards Panel.

A complete nomination must include:

• A formal letter of nomination
• Details of the nominee's achievements
• Two supporting testimonials from referees

It is recommended that the nominee is not informed of the submission to avoid disappointment if unsuccessful.

Selection Criteria – Honorary Fellowship
Nominees for the Honorary Fellowship should exhibit a distinguished record of achievement and a sustained commitment to excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• Exceptional contributions to business, leadership, or management, either within the UK or on an international scale
• A consistent track record of excellence in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, or policy development
• Meaningful service to the community or nation that aligns with the Centre’s vision and strategic priorities
• Proven ability to cultivate impactful partnerships between CBER and other institutions, industries, or communities
• Active support for the Centre’s international objectives, including the advancement of its research and academic mission globally
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, inclusivity, and generating positive societal or industry-wide impact

Nominees will be evaluated by the Awards Panel based on merit, impact, integrity, and the significance of their contributions to their field or society at large.

Please note: The selected candidate must register for the conference and attend in person.

Key Benefits of the Honorary Fellowship

1. Prestige and recognition: Public acknowledgment of the recipient's outstanding achievements in business, leadership, and management. Association with a respected international research organisation.
2. Professional credibility: Enhances the Fellow’s professional profile and reputation. Recognised as a benchmark of excellence by peers, institutions, and industry leaders
3. Networking and collaboration opportunities: Access to a global network of CBER Fellows, members, researchers, and professionals. Opportunities to collaborate on research projects, publications, and conferences.
4. Thought leadership platform: Invitations to speak at CBER events, webinars, and international forums. Opportunities to contribute to white papers, policy recommendations, and strategic initiatives.
5. Influence and impact: Ability to influence the direction of research, innovation, and policy in areas aligned with CBER’s mission. Play a role in mentoring future leaders and shaping discourse in business and economics.
6. Lifelong affiliation with CBER: Recognition as an Honorary Fellow for life. Invitations to exclusive events and honorary gatherings.
7. Commemorative Certificate and Public Announcement: Official presentation of the Fellowship certificate at a high-profile event or ceremony. Feature in CBER’s publications, website, and media communications
8. Exclusive Conference Discounts: Honorary Fellows are entitled to a 25% reduction on registration fees for all conferences and events organised by the Centre, as well as on publication fees for journals affiliated with the Centre.
9. Keynote Speaking Opportunities: Honorary Fellows may be invited to serve as Keynote Speakers at CBER conferences and events, providing a platform to share insights and thought leadership with an international audience.
10. Opportunities for Publication and Authorship: Fellows are encouraged to contribute to the Centre’s scholarly output through book publications, working paper series, special reports, and edited book chapters, with support and recognition from the Centre.

Nominations should be forwarded with the following:

1. The nomination must include a letter or email to the membership team (email: info@cberuk.com ) outlining the nominee's accomplishments in relation to the two (2) minimal criteria listed above.
2. A copy of the nominee's most recent CV or a link to their online profile
3. Two referees' recommendations
4. Details of the nominee's achievements

N.B.  In any given year, the CBER's Membership Evaluation Committee reserves the right not to award any Honorary Fellowships should there be an absence of candidates or those nominated are deemed insufficiently exceptional.