Six awards will be given for excellence in teaching, research and community service to highlight the important contribution universities make to Australia.<\/p>\n
The Shaping Australia Awards are back for 2026 and UNSW is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from staff.
Run by Universities Australia, the awards celebrate the contribution the sector makes to Australians, and the nation, across three categories.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UNSW Sydney\u2019s Kirby Institute won the Community Champion award in 2024<\/a> for its First National Molecular Point-Of-Care Testing Program which was instrumental in reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and COVID-19 in remote communities.<\/p>\n This year there are three categories:\u00a0<\/p>\n The Problem Solver Award \u2013 recognises groundbreaking research that has transformed \u2013 or could transform \u2013 the lives of Australians. Submissions should demonstrate:<\/p>\n profound impact on Australians\u2019 livessignificant societal, technological or economic benefitsa compelling necessity behind the work.<\/p>\n The Future Builder Award \u2013 celebrates individuals or teams who equip students with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world. innovative, out-of-the-box teaching programsmotivation for students to push boundaries and prepare for career successengagement with industry, colleagues or across disciplines.<\/p>\n The Community Champion Award \u2013 honours individuals, teams or universities with deep ties to their communities. tangible improvements in the lives of localsgenuine university-community connections, especially in times of needa lasting and significant impact on community members.<\/p>\n Ideally entries should be based on activities from the last 12 months and should be a project or initiative that clearly addresses a specific problem or challenge with an innovative solution.<\/p>\n How to submit an EOI<\/p>\n If you are interested in submitting an entry you need to complete an EOI form<\/a> by Thursday 23 July 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n There will be an internal judging process before the qualifying entries are submitted.<\/p>\n The awards will be announced at the Universities Australia annual Summit dinner on Wednesday 24 February 2027. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Submissions should demonstrate:<\/p>\n
Submissions should demonstrate:<\/p>\n