The International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives (IEJ:CP), the official journal of the Oceania Comparative and International Education Society (OCIES), once again celebrated outstanding scholarship, readership impact, and service at the 53rd Annual OCIES Conference held at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in November 2025. These awards reflect the journal’s commitment to advancing rigorous, innovative, and socially engaged research across Oceania and the world.
As IEJ:CP continues to grow as a leading platform for comparative and international education scholarship, this year’s awardees exemplify research excellence, intellectual generosity, and global reach. Their contributions reaffirm the journal’s role in fostering dialogue across diverse educational contexts, methodologies, and cultural perspectives.
Highest Citation Awards (2024–2025)
This award recognises articles that achieved the highest citation impact over the past year, reflecting scholarly influence and ongoing relevance in the field. Two awards were presented in 2025.
Dr Joseph Crawford
Dr Crawford’s article continues to shape global conversations on higher education resilience and post-pandemic transformation. Its rigorous modelling of institutional response phases—from immediate crisis management to longer-term consolidation—has made it an essential reference point for researchers and practitioners navigating ongoing uncertainties in tertiary education systems.
Lamia Büsra Yesil & İpek Saralar Aras
This collaboratively authored study has risen rapidly in scholarly influence for its examination of how flexible learning environments and modern pedagogical approaches shape student experiences. By offering cross-context insights, the paper contributes to current debates on classroom design, student agency, and 21st-century learning.
Most Viewed Article Award (2025)
The Most Viewed Article Award recognises exceptional readership and online engagement—an indicator of practical impact and global relevance.
Natalia Shirvanian & Tony Michael
Implementation of attachment theory into early childhood settings
Abstract Views: 3,704 File Views: 2,478
Originally published in 2017, this article continues to resonate with educators, researchers, and practitioners internationally. Its enduring popularity speaks to the importance of relational pedagogies and child-centred approaches in early childhood settings, as well as the accessibility and relevance of the authors’ insights to the wider education community.
Exceptional Journal Service Award (2025)
IEJ:CP also honoured excellence in professional service—critical yet often unseen work that strengthens the journal’s scholarly integrity.
Professor Kaori Okano
Sector Editor (Book Review)
Professor Okano was recognised for her sustained editorial leadership, intellectual generosity, and commitment to cultivating high-quality scholarship. Her contributions have enhanced the journal’s visibility, strengthened reviewer engagement, and upheld rigorous academic standards across the book review section. Her service exemplifies the collaborative ethos at the heart of OCIES.
A message to the OCIES, November 2025
Kia ora koutou. I’m honoured to receive the Exceptional Journal Service Award (2025). I am just one of many, and so I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to the journal over its many years. I’m also happy to receive this award before my retirement from La Trobe where I have taught 34 years (!) at the end of this year. My association with the OCIES began in 1980’s when I was a postgraduate student at Sydney University. Since then, I taught at secondary schools in Sydney and then in Masterton, Aotearoa New Zealand for a few years, before starting my PhD at Massey University. It has been a fulfilling academic career. I will now have more time to myself and would be happy to assist the journal and the new book review editor. I wish the journal and the OCIES all the best for a bright future!
Kaori Okano, FAHA
Professor, Asian Studies/
Japanese Studies,
La Trobe University,
Melbourne.
Looking Ahead
These awards collectively highlight the breadth and depth of scholarly engagement within IEJ:CP—from citation impact and global readership to the unseen but vital labour of editorial stewardship. They also reflect the vibrant intellectual ecosystem of OCIES, where researchers across Oceania and beyond contribute to shaping comparative and international education as a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and socially responsive field.
The OCIES community extends warm congratulations to all award recipients and expresses deep appreciation to authors, reviewers, editors, and readers who continue to support the journal’s mission.