The鈥痑wards honour university-led innovations in research, teaching and community service. This year鈥檚 winners chosen by a are:听
- Problem solver award – University of Sydney鈥檚 . Around sixty per cent of Australia鈥檚 wheat now carries genetic resistance to rust disease, thanks to research by Professor Robert Park and his team safeguarding agricultural production and food security.听
- Future builder award 鈥 University of South Australia鈥檚 . Australia鈥檚 first university apprenticeship program is breaking financial barriers 鈥 students earn a salary without taking on debt. Its success has led South Australia鈥檚 Department of State Development to explore expanding degree apprenticeships.听
- Community champion award 鈥 UNSW Sydney Kirby Institute鈥檚 . This program has led to a forty per cent drop in pelvic inflammatory disease and a thirty per cent reduction in preterm births among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Now operating in over 100 remote communities, it has saved Australia鈥檚 health care system up to $1.8 billion.听听
Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM, chair of the judging panel, congratulated the winners and finalists for driving such important and inspiring initiatives.听
鈥The judging panel had the privilege to learn about and fully appreciate the ways Australia鈥檚 universities are shaping our country鈥檚 future,鈥 Ms Paul said.听听听
An additional three winners were selected by the Australian community in the People鈥檚 Choice award across each category. A full description of all six winning projects is available at鈥. The 2025 Shaping Australia Awards鈥痺ill open later this year.听
