The winners of the 2026 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards were celebrated at the Roundhouse, with more than 350 staff members coming together to recognise the people and teams who bring UNSW’s culture to life.
Held on Wednesday 1 July, the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards event showcased the 707 outstanding nominees from all faculties and divisions at UNSW – each recognised for the impact they make through their work and the way they contribute to our community.
At the event, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs and members of the University Leadership Team acknowledged the achievements of all nominees as well as the inspirational awardees whose contributions exemplify UNSW’s Values in Action and Leadership Signatures.
"The Vice-Chancellor's Awards is one of my favourite moments in the year because it gives us the opportunity to pause and celebrate our people.
“Every day across UNSW there are colleagues supporting each other, solving complex problems, serving our students and advancing research. These awards shine a light on those contributions and remind us that culture is created by the choices people make every day in how they lead, collaborate and support those around them.
“I hope everyone who attended left feeling proud, not only of our award recipients, but of being part of a community who takes the time to recognise and celebrate one another,” said Chief People Officer, Gemma Martin.
The recipients of the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Awards are:
- Innovation: Diana Perche, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School (Education), School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture
- Respect: Jake Baum – Head of School, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health.
- Collaboration: Team Fixim Sola Vanuatu including:
- Shanil Samarakoon – Lecturer, School of Photovoltaics & Renewable Energy, Faculty of Engineering
- Joyce Wu – Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture
- Paul Munro – Associate Professor, School of Humanities & Languages, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Diversity: The Diversity Festival Team including:
- Abi Scott – Senior External Engagement Manager, Division of Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement
- Emma Thompson Blayney – Senior Communications & Engagement Officer, Division of Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement
- Sophie Thompson – Manager of Educational Engagement, Educational Excellence, Division of Education & Student Experience
- Excellence: Sherrie Love – Education Data and Insights Manager, Operations, Division of Education & Student Experience
- Assume the best: Chanelle Webster – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Science, Faculty of Science
- Progress over perfection: Mark van Poppel – Head of Major Projects, Canberra Design, Delivery and Development Office, Estate Management, Division of Operations
- Excellence through inclusion: Carmen Leong – Associate Professor, School of Information Systems &Technology Management, and Associate Dean (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), UNSW Business School
- People’s Choice: Adry Awan – Projects Manager – Experience, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success Office, Division of Education & Student Experience
View the nominations for the awardees and the event photo gallery on the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards site.
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