Professor
Isabella Dobrescu
Head, School of Economics
UNSW Business
Professor Isabella Dobrescu is a leading figure in technology-enhanced education and applied economics, with a distinguished record of impact across teaching innovation, research, and academic leadership.
She is the co-architect of Playconomics, a gamified learning platform used across Business, Engineering, and Medicine, reaching more than 70,000 university and high school students worldwide. The platform has received multiple accolades, including the AFR Higher Education Award for Outstanding Teaching and Learning Experience.
Her research focuses on identifying “what works” in education. She leads large-scale evaluation studies that combine theoretical insights, randomized control trials, and structural econometrics to address critical challenges in learning equity and effectiveness. She also co-chairs the STEP UP Initiative in education innovation and outreach – a nationally recognised program that connects universities, schools, and communities to expand access to economic and financial literacy and raise higher-education aspirations, particularly among students from underrepresented and vulnerable groups.
Professor Dobrescu previously served as Deputy Director (Research) of the UNSW Scientia Education Academy (2019–2021) and is currently the Head of the UNSW School of Economics, where her research and leadership continue to advance UNSW’s mission to deliver transformative, evidence-based, and socially impactful education.