Farewell Professor Lorraine Graham, Foundation Professor of Learning Intervention

By Faculty of Education’s Professor Kate Reynolds, Professor of Educational Psychology & Learning, and Associate Professor Lisa McKay Brown, Associate Dean Diversity and Inclusion

After almost 12 years in the role, Professor Lorraine Graham is stepping back as Foundation Professor of Learning Intervention in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary and impactful career, one that has transformed the lives of thousands of Australian students and reshaped the field of inclusive education.

Professor Graham joined the University of Melbourne in July 2014, bringing with her extensive experience from the University of New England. Her research has focused on interventions for students experiencing learning difficulties and disabilities, with a particular emphasis on strengthening core academic skills.

This work culminated in the co-development of the QuickSmart Numeracy and Literacy programs, which have supported more than 12,000 students across over 1,000 schools nationwide.

When Lorraine commenced at the Faculty of Education, the newly established Learning Intervention Academic Group comprised just four academic staff.

Through her vision, leadership, and deep belief in education for all, the group has grown to more than 50 staff and now encompasses learning intervention, educational and developmental psychology, and the science of learning.

She is widely respected for her commitment to mentoring early career researchers and for fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Professor Graham was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2023 Australia Day Honours, for significant service to education, particularly in the field of inclusive education.

Prof. Graham has worked internationally in inclusive education. Along with her colleagues, Jeanette Berman, Anne Bellert and Lisa McKay-Brown, they have worked with ALATA Inclusion (based in Ecuador and Melbourne) on a large-scale project together called, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Learning. They are now taking this work to India.

Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of rigorous research, practical innovation, and unwavering commitment to educational equity.

Her work has helped redefine how learning difficulties and intervention are understood in literacy, numeracy, and learning instruction more broadly, firmly establishing the Learning Intervention Academic Group as an internationally recognised contributor to inclusive education.

Through her leadership, Lorraine has created, nurtured, and sustained an exceptional community of researchers and educators who continue to lead innovation in research, teaching, and practice.

Lorraine leaves behind a powerful legacy of scholarship with purpose, people who have flourished under her leadership, and a community deeply grateful for her vision and care.

It is a legacy of which the Faculty of Education is immensely proud and deeply grateful.