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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.
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.
For more information, please visit the FAQ.
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 invited the Australian public to vote for their favourite nation shaper in the following categories:
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.
We have five amazing finalists across this category. Show your support by voting for your favourite research initiative.
The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.
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.
We have five amazing finalists across this category. Show your support by voting for your favourite program.
The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.
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.
We have five amazing finalists across this category. Show your support by voting for your favourite initiative.
The winner will receive $2500 in prize money.
We have 15 outstanding finalists across our three categories. You can make your voice heard by voting for your favourite entries in each category. Every vote counts!
Finalists with the highest vote in each category will receive $2500 in prize money.
Voting closed on Sunday, 26 January 2025.
Winners will be announced at our annual gala dinner on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
View our 2024 finalists
Winners announced in:
Entries open
03 July 2024
Entries close
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 5pm
People’s choice voting opens
Thursday, 10 October 2024
People’s choice voting closes
Sunday, 26 January 2025
Winners announced
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Stay informed
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