Professor Jan Fook is an internationally recognised scholar in social work, critical reflection, and professional practice research. Originally trained as a social worker in Australia, she has held academic and leadership positions across Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and the United States, developing a distinguished career that spans more than four decades. She holds social work degrees from the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney, and a PhD from the University of Southampton. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK).

Throughout her career, Professor Fook has worked across the fields of social work, interprofessional education, continuing professional development, and higher education. Her research and teaching have focused particularly on critical social work, practice research, and critical reflection, areas in which she is widely regarded as a leading authority. Her work has been influential in developing approaches that connect theory and practice in professional education and social work practice.

Professor Fook is best known for her extensive publications on critical reflection and critical social work, including the widely influential Social Work: A Critical Approach to Practice. Her scholarship combines theoretical innovation with empirical research into professional practice, seeking to develop more reflexive, socially just, and context-sensitive approaches to professional learning and practice. She has delivered lectures, workshops, and keynote presentations internationally and has held numerous visiting professorships around the world.

Biographical details correct as of 13.05.26