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2026 People's choice voting now is now live
From AI breakthroughs that could save millions in combustible cladding costs to innovations protecting native fish, supporting Aboriginal families and inspiring future space explorers, this year’s finalists showcase the real-world impact of university-led innovation.
Now it’s your turn to have a say. Cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards and help recognise the university initiatives making a difference across Australia.With more than 42,500 votes cast last year, every vote matters.
Have your say and make every vote count! Vote now
Total votes:
2850
2033
138
1827
2591
340
159
2085
296
2357
2069
472
271
232
2227
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.
Reshaping Australia's response to dementia | UC
2850
BathAware: safety without surveillance | UWA
2033
Changing the future of stuttering care | Curtin
138
Australian river screens saving fish, farms and rivers | CSU
1827
A smarter solution to Australia's cladding challenge | RMIT
2591
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.
Transforming teachers' aides into Australia's future teachers | CSU
340
Space Teams Academy: training the next generation of space explorers | RMIT
159
From classroom to market: shaping the future of Australian food | UoN
2085
Heart Hackathon: building Australia's next generation of biomedical innovators | QUT
296
Students diving deep into Australia's ocean future | UWA
2357
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.
Growing stronger businesses, stronger communities | UniSC
2069
A lifeline for young people in the 'missing middle' | UC
Pathways team present Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith with a gift made by clients and the team.
472
Empowering Aboriginal families to know their rights | UNSW Sydney
271
SignPlay: helping families learn Auslan when everyday counts | USyd
232
It takes a community to inspire a child | Adelaide Uni
2227
Entries are closed for the 2026 Shaping Australia Awards.
Entries open
22 June 2026
Entries close
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
People’s choice voting opens
Wednesday, 4 November 2026
People’s choice voting closes
Tuesday, 19 January 2027
Winners announced
Wednesday, 24 February 2027 at the UA annual Summit dinner at Parliament House, Canberra
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