About

Australia is full of amazing people who do amazing things. They help transform lives and our nation for the better.  

The Shaping Australia Awards, proudly presented by Universities Australia, shine a spotlight on the impactful contributions universities make each day – shaping our nation's future through teaching, research and community service. 
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The process

‍Two winners per category will be awarded – one selected by the Australian public through our People’s Choice voting system, and one chosen by a panel of eminent Australians.
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For more information, please visit the FAQ.

Awards categories
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The awards celebrate excellence in teaching, research and community service, acknowledging the contribution universities and the people in them make to Australia and Australians.

We invite individuals and teams from Australian universities to submit entries in the following categories.
The problem solver award

This prestigious award recognises groundbreaking research work that has already transformed, or holds the potential to transform, the lives of Australians for the better. Our judging panel will be looking for entries that showcase:

the profound impact of the work on Australians’ lives

significant societal, technological, or economic benefits, and

the compelling necessity behind the work.

Entries must highlight activities conducted within the past 12 months. The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.

Submit your entry
A woman with her arms crossed standing at an angle standing infront of a liquid structure
The future builder award

This award celebrates an individual or a team who has gone above and beyond to equip their students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world. Our judging panel will be looking for entries that showcase:

delivery of an innovative, out-of-the-box teaching program

motivation for students to push the limits, preparing them for success in their careers, and

engagement with industry, colleagues or across disciplines to bridge knowledge gaps and complete students’ skillsets.

Entries must highlight activities conducted within the past 12 months. The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.‍‍

Submit your entry
A teacher in a blue shirt talking to a classroom of students
The Community Champion

This award honours an individual, team or university with deep ties to its community and the people who call it home, beyond just those who attend the institution. Our judging panel will be looking for entries that showcase:

tangible improvements in the lives of locals through the university programs or initiatives

genuine connections between the university and community, especially in times of need, and

a lasting and significant impact on community members.

Entries must highlight activities conducted within the past 12 months. The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.

Submit your entry
A group of volunteers handing out food and goods to people.
People's Choice

15 outstanding finalists across our three categories will be presented to the Australian public. Vote for your favourite finalist and help decide who will take home the People’s Choice Award in each category.

‍Finalists with the highest vote in each category will receive $2500 in prize money.
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Winners will be announced at our annual gala dinner on February 2026.
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View our 2024 winners

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Key dates

Entries close in:

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1

Entries open

04 June 2025

2

Entries close

5 September 2025

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People’s choice voting opens

1 October 2025

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People’s choice voting closes

19 January 2026

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Winners announced

25 February 2026