Six awards will be given for excellence in teaching, research and community service to highlight the important contribution universities make to Australia.
The Shaping Australia Awards are back for 2026 and UNSW is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from staff.
Run by Universities Australia, the awards celebrate the contribution the sector makes to Australians, and the nation, across three categories.
UNSW Sydney’s Kirby Institute won the Community Champion award in 2024 for its First National Molecular Point-Of-Care Testing Program which was instrumental in reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and COVID-19 in remote communities.
This year there are three categories:
The Problem Solver Award – recognises groundbreaking research that has transformed – or could transform – the lives of Australians. Submissions should demonstrate:
- profound impact on Australians’ lives
- significant societal, technological or economic benefits
- a compelling necessity behind the work.
The Future Builder Award – celebrates individuals or teams who equip students with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world.
Submissions should demonstrate:
- innovative, out-of-the-box teaching programs
- motivation for students to push boundaries and prepare for career success
- engagement with industry, colleagues or across disciplines.
The Community Champion Award – honours individuals, teams or universities with deep ties to their communities.
Submissions should demonstrate:
- tangible improvements in the lives of locals
- genuine university-community connections, especially in times of need
- a lasting and significant impact on community members.
Ideally entries should be based on activities from the last 12 months and should be a project or initiative that clearly addresses a specific problem or challenge with an innovative solution.
How to submit an EOI
If you are interested in submitting an entry you need to complete an EOI form by Thursday 23 July 2026.
There will be an internal judging process before the qualifying entries are submitted.
The awards will be announced at the Universities Australia annual Summit dinner on Wednesday 24 February 2027.
For more information, visit the Shaping Australia Awards website or contact emma.blake@unsw.edu.au in the External Communications team.
Main image: The Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Education, Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM, Chair of the Shaping Australia Awards, UNSW Dr Kirsty Smith, UNSW Dr Louise Causer and Professor David Lloyd, Chair, Universities Australia. Photo: Universities Australia.
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