Recognising and celebrating the extraordinary ways Australia’s universities and the people within them shape our nation.

People’s choice voting now open

Australia’s universities are extraordinary places, full of bright and passionate individuals who drive new ideas, initiatives and projects that help shape our nation.

    Through research and development, the education of skilled workers and community service, universities improve the lives of all Australians, regardless of their education background.

We’re delighted to showcase 18 outstanding finalists shortlisted in the Shaping Australia Awards across the following categories:

The Problem Solver Award

Recognises an individual or a team’s work or research that has changed or has the potential to change the lives of Australians for the better.

The Future Builder Award

Recognises an individual or a team that has gone over and above to equip their students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact.

The Community Champion Award

Recognises an individual, team or university with strong links to its community and the people who call it home, not just those who attend the institution.

Entries

112

Finalists

18

Votes

265

226

749

552

394

575

230

168

2057

2050

178

2035

140

132

436

266

2034

124

Meet the judges

Key dates

People’s choice voting ends in:

00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
1

Entries open

20 September 2023

2

Entries close

5pm AEDT, 20 November 2023

3

People’s choice is now open

29 November 2023

4

Winners announced

27 February 2024

Meet the judges

Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM – Chair of the judging panel

Former Secretary of the Department of Education

Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO CNZM MC

Former Governor-General of Australia

Mr Kurt Fearnley AO PLY

Three-time Paralympic gold medallist

Ms Michelle Gunn

Editor in Chief, The Australian

Mr Nicholas Moore AO

Special Envoy for Southeast Asia

Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS

Vice-Chancellor, Australian National University