Shaping Australia Awards
Australia’s universities are home to some of the nation’s best and brightest. Every day, they are helping solve problems, create opportunities and improve lives right across Australia.
From breakthroughs in health and medical research to innovative teaching, industry partnerships and community initiatives, the Shaping Australia Awards showcase the many ways universities contribute to a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Australia.
Entries for 2026 Shaping Australia Awards are now open
From breakthroughs in health and medical research to innovative teaching, industry partnerships and community initiatives, this year’s winners highlight how universities are solving real-world problems and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive Australia.
Visit shapingaustraliaawards.com.au for more information on key dates, criteria and how to enter.
Explore the remarkable winning 2025 Shaping Australia Awards projects that are helping build a better future for Australia.
The Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) is revolutionising melanoma screening through a globally unique research program uniting world-leading expertise across dermatology, behavioural science, epidemiology, health economics, statistics, AI, data science, genetics, and pathology.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with survival rates below 10 per cent and treatments often as harsh as the disease itself. UoW PhD researcher Elahe Minaei, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow, is changing that story by redefining treatment for pancreatic cancer.
The Affiliated Schools Program (ASP) — a partnership between the University of Canberra and the ACT Government — is transforming teacher education and professional learning across the Territory.
ACU’s Step Up into Teaching (SUIT) program is transforming access to higher education for Year 11–12 students from low socio-economic, First Nations and first-in-family backgrounds. The program enables students to complete two first-year education units during school holidays, gain full university credit and secure conditional early entry into a teaching degree — removing traditional ATAR barriers while building academic confidence.
Monash University's Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby is transforming communication access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians. Her pioneering work tackles urgent interpreters and educator shortages, develops innovative learning tools and embeds inclusion into national systems.
The CDU Free Tax Clinic is transforming access to justice and financial inclusion across the Northern Territory. Established in 2019 with ATO support, the Clinic provides free, trauma-informed, independent tax services to individuals, small businesses, and charities unable to afford professional advice.
Visit shapingaustraliaawards.com.au for more information about the awards program.