Natoli Ethics Fund

The Natoli Ethics Funds can be used to support the following activities:

Two annual awards of excellence for an ethics assignment/essay one each for undergraduate and for postgraduate students
Funding for ethics projects & activities by clubs and societies in the University of Sydney Business School in which events support the development of ethical awareness particularly business ethics
Support for student participation in conferences relating to ethics in business professions
Scholarships for ethics internships in business or organisations

For more information on the Natoli Ethics Fund and how to apply for funding for ethics related student events and activities contact us at business.ethics@sydney.edu.au.

Student Ethics Essay Prize

The Natoli Ethics Fund is used to support two annual awards of excellence for writing in ethics by an undergraduate and a postgraduate student.

Eligibility

Category 1: Undergraduate students

The category 1 contest is open to any student currently studying a business degree or unit at undergraduate level within the University of Sydney Business School.

Category 2: Postgraduate students (coursework and research students)

The category 2 contest is open to any student currently studying a business degree or unit at postgraduate level within the University of Sydney Business School.

Prizes

Category 1: Undergraduate students

First Prize: The best submission will be chosen for a $1000 cash prize.

Category 2: Postgraduate students (coursework and research students)

First Prize: The best submission will be chosen for a $1000 cash prize.

The entries will be published on the Business Ethics Collaborative website.

Guidelines

The following guidelines apply to both categories:

Only one submission per entrant is allowed.
Submissions must be entrants' own original work.
Submissions must include your name and SID.
Submissions will be published on the Business Ethics Collaborative website.
The details of all entrants may be published on the Business Ethics Collaborative website.

Format

The following formatting requirements apply to both categories:

Submission must be written in English.
Length: 300 words or less, excluding title. Submission exceeding the 300-word limit will be disqualified.
The submission is to be written as a blog with hyperlinks to source material (a reference list is not required).
Doc or docx file, 12-point font, double-spaced.
Pages must be numbered.

Submission

Submission must be made through this online form.

Closing Date

The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm Friday, 17 April 2026.

Requirements

Drawing on one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and using an Australian listed company as an example, submissions should address the following:

Many Australian companies publicly promote their ethical values, ESG commitments, and corporate purpose through annual reports, sustainability statements, and marketing campaigns. Boards and senior leaders are often supported by ethical frameworks, governance codes, and professional guidance.

Yet public trust in corporate behaviour remains mixed.

Why do you think there is often a gap between what companies say about ethics and sustainability and what stakeholders experience in practice? Using your chosen company, discuss one area where ethical intentions have or have not translated into real-world outcomes. What practical steps could boards and leaders take to better align ethical commitments with everyday business decisions?

Selection of Winners

The winners will be selected by 3-5 members of the Business Ethics Collaborative making up the selection committee.

The selection committee reserves the right not to award prizes in any and all categories should it deem that submissions do not meet the contest criteria. All decisions of the selection committee shall be considered final.