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2025 People's choice voting is now closed
From a world-first koala vaccine and light-powered biotech breakthroughs to programs transforming communication access for Deaf and DeafBlind Australians, this year’s 15 finalists highlight how universities are solving real-world problems and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive Australia.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2025 People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced during a live-streamed ceremony on 25 February 2026. Stay tuned.
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Total votes 42519
Meet the finalists
The Problem Solver award
Recognises groundbreaking research work that has already transformed, or holds the potential to transform, the lives of Australians for the better.
Vote for your favourite Problem Solver.
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Saving Australia’s koalas: a breakthrough vaccine for an endangered icon | UniSC
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Targeted hope: redefining treatment for pancreatic cancer | UoW
Black Soldier Fly farming: turning waste into wealth | SCU
ACEMID: revolutionising early detection and the fight against melanoma | UQ, USYD, Monash
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Solar biotechnologies: harnessing light to power to solve global challenges | UQ
The future Builder 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.
Vote for your favourite Future Builder.
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Shaping tomorrow's defence workforce today | Flinders
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Activism for Academic Freedom: students taking a stand for global scholars | Monash
Affiliated Schools Program: redefining teacher education through partnership | UC
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Step Up Into Teaching: opening doors to a new generation of teachers | ACU
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Inside-Out: education that transforms lives and systems | RMIT
The Community Champion 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.
Vote for your favourite Community Champion.
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CDU free tax clinic: building financial inclusion in the Northern Territory | CDU
Community first - centring Autistic voices at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre | La Trobe
Breaking barriers in communication: transforming access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians | Monash
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OurFutures Vaping: preventing the next generation from vaping | UniSyd
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Left Write Hook: reclaiming power through creativity, sport and film | UniMelb
Join us as we announce the winners in:
Entries open
04 June 2025
Entries close
5 September 2025
People’s choice voting opens
22 October 2025
People’s choice voting closes
19 January 2026
Winners announced
25 February 2026
Stay informed
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