The award, which recognises outstanding achievement in the internationalisation of higher education, will be presented to Goodman on 10 May at a ceremony at U21’s annual presidential meeting, held this year at Lund University, Sweden.

Goodman has been honoured for his contribution to international education

“Dr Goodman has helped students and scholars in trouble around the world, helped establish new global universities, and provided increased access to study abroad,” said chair of Universitas 21, Professor Glyn Davis, Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, who headed up the awards committee.

He added, “Despite his many achievements, he makes room for others to lead and especially works behind the scenes to make things happen, without seeking credit or the spotlight. It is fitting that this first Gilbert Medal recognises all that he has done.”

Goodman spearheaded the Scholarship Rescue Fund which, since 2002, has rescued over 400 scholars threatened with violence, kidnapping or death as a result of their academic work. Most recently it has provided funds to Syrian students affected by the crisis occurring in the country.

According to U21 he also inspired and guided many university leaders around the world to engage in global partnerships and internationalise their institutions.

Dr Goodman has helped students and scholars in trouble around the world

The medal is named in honour of the late professor Alan Gilbert, the founder of U21 who died in 2012, and upholds his vision as a lifelong proponent of the benefits of internationalisation.

The Gilbert Medal itself will feature the winning design from a competition among students at Lund University to create an eye-catching and intelligent design. The winning design will be unveiled in April.

Established in 1997, the U21 network is made up of 23 leading research-intensive universities in 15 countries. The network’s purpose is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the member universities and to create opportunities for them on a scale that none of them would be able to achieve operating independently or through traditional bilateral alliances.