Award Recipients

An award for an early-career researcher

Dr Wei Zeng

ARC DECRA Fellow in the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology

Wei has made significant advancements in translational research, particularly in the field of startup companies, demonstrating exceptional collegiality and innovation. He has shown outstanding research performance, evidenced by his 48 high-quality journal publications and significant contributions to the water industry through innovative techniques for pipe condition assessment. His entrepreneurial efforts, including co-founding a start-up and securing substantial industry partnerships, further highlight his impactful and translational research.

An award for a mid-career researcher

Dr Hannah Wardill

NHMRC Externally-Funded Research Fellow in the School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences

Hannah’s groundbreaking work in microbiome research for cancer patients has resulted in exceptional metrics and fellowship achievements, making a profound impact on patient care. She has secured over $15 million in competitive funding and published 75 research papers, with nearly 40% in top-tier journals. Hannah’s leadership in establishing the Supportive Oncology Research Group and her dedication to mentoring junior researchers further highlight her exceptional contributions to the field. Additionally, her innovative work has led to the development of new clinical trials and international patents, and she has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious NHMRC Investigator Fellowship.

An award for an interdisciplinary research team (Academic, Professional or mixed)

Australian Centre for Housing Research

Dr Amy Clair                                           Claire Morey

Dr Rubayyat Hashmi                              Kira Page

The Australian Centre for Housing Research team has successfully integrated economics and social sciences, exemplifying the University’s value of collegiality. Their groundbreaking research on the impact of housing on health, particularly their study on epigenetic aging published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, has achieved significant recognition. This research has received widespread attention and has been featured in major media outlets and policy discussions around the world. The team’s commitment to working together across different fields and sharing their findings with the public has made a substantial impact on understanding and improving housing issues.

An award for a staff member

Dr Danijela Menicanin

Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences

Danijela has shown exceptional dedication to enhancing the student experience through her innovative teaching and her ‘support for students’ initiatives. She coordinates the largest courses within the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences program and has played a crucial role in developing the Foundations of Medicine course for the new Bachelor of Medical Studies/MD program. Her efforts have consistently resulted in outstanding student feedback and recognition, including the Health and Medical Science Executive Dean’s Teaching Award and the University of Adelaide Student Led Teaching Award. Danijela’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supports academic and professional staff through her role as ADEPT Academic Lead, in which she fosters a culture of creativity, engagement and continuous improvement in learning and teaching with colleagues from across the University.

An award for a team

Annie Harris                                        Tiana Blazevic

Linda Rankine                                     Kelsi Guadalupe Carman

Gus Bhaskarraj                                   Syliva Liao

Sally Polkinghorne

The Access, Equity and Inclusion Programs – Disability Support team has gone to great lengths to provide a safe space for neurodivergent students, ensuring access and inclusion beyond their regular duties. They have championed the creation of an Adaptive Technology Room and a low-sensory Access Room, providing inclusive and accessible learning environments. Additionally, they have developed the Neurodiversity Hub Project, offering programs and resources to support neurodivergent students. Further to this, the team has partnered with a leading local business to facilitate re-assessments of academic skill needs for neurodivergent students, ensuring they receive the most appropriate reasonable adjustments. They have also played a crucial role in the success of the Connect and Share sessions on neurodiversity with our colleagues, providing valuable insights and fostering a supportive community. Their commitment to inclusivity and student engagement is truly commendable.

An award for a staff member

Erica Boyle

Arboretum Officer in the Waite Precinct, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology

Erica is the Waite Arboretum Volunteer Coordinator. She has demonstrated excellence in every aspect of her role. Her dedication has grown the volunteer program from less than 30 to over 150 members, a diverse and inclusive community of volunteers. Erica’s commitment to integrity, respect, and collegiality has earned her the trust and admiration of both staff and volunteers. She has also led significant projects like the “Bee, Butterfly and Bird Garden,” to enhance the natural biodiversity of the Arboretum.

Erica has also developed an effective buddy system among volunteers, to provide a supportive environment for new members. This is particularly important for supporting volunteers from non-English speaking backgrounds. She also encourages cross-generational learning between students and retired volunteers. Her collaborative approach has transformed neglected areas like the Sensory Garden and the Coach House Garden, a great example of her ability to achieve positive outcomes through teamwork.

An award for a staff member

Associate Professor Claudia Szabo

Associate Professor/Reader in the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology

Claudia has made a significant impact on the University community through her thoughtful and innovative initiatives, enhancing the sense of belonging and inclusion. She co-founded the Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice, sharing best practices to promote diversity and inclusion. Claudia also designed and deployed a peer-mentoring scheme in her school, fostering a respectful environment for both students and staff. Her leadership in collaborative projects and mentorship has been instrumental in creating a supportive and inclusive community. Additionally, Claudia has been recognized for her role in successfully managing the collaborative design of new programs between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. Her efforts in mentoring and coaching have provided valuable support to colleagues, particularly new recruits, helping them navigate their professional development.

Claudia has been instrumental in driving inclusion and diversity initiatives for many years, including through convening the University’s ALLY network, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and support within the University. Her efforts have helped create a more welcoming and safe environment for all students and staff, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Furthermore, Claudia's role as Theme Leader in the Defence Trailblazer project has been pivotal in establishing connections between partners and researchers, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering collaborative and inclusive environments.

An award for a team

Student Health & Wellbeing

Student Experience, Division of Division of Academic and Student Engagement

Team representative: Jacqui Faliszewski

Chelsea Deckert

Lily O’Donnell

The Student Health & Wellbeing team has made a profound impact on the University community by addressing period poverty through their “We got you. Period” initiative. They have collaborated with student representatives to provide free period products across all campuses, ensuring that students have access to essential hygiene products. Their efforts have not only alleviated financial burdens but also promoted dignity and inclusivity, creating a supportive environment for all students.

Additionally, the team has demonstrated excellence by securing long-term funding and implementing a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the sustainability of the project. They have also provided educational workshops on menstrual hygiene, further supporting student wellbeing and fostering an open dialogue about menstruation.

An award for excellence in leadership

Associate Professor Eleanor Parker

Associate Professor in the Adelaide Dental School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eleanor has significantly raised the profile of learning and teaching in the dental school, implementing innovative programs and being an ally for the Indigenous community. She has led key initiatives such as the “Clinical Learning at Home” program during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been instrumental in developing a culturally safe curriculum for Indigenous students. Eleanor’s leadership is amplified through her approach to supporting colleagues with professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. She has also been recognised as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists for her outstanding contributions to the profession and community. Additionally, Eleanor has played a crucial role in the Faculty of Health and Medical Science Assessment Club, enhancing collaboration and sharing best practices across schools.

An award for emerging leadership

Associate Professor Boyin Ding

Academic Director, Haide College in the SET Faculty Office, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology

Boyin has made remarkable contributions to the Haide College program, demonstrating exceptional leadership and respect across the University. He has successfully led the Australia-China Joint Research Centre of Offshore Wind and Wave Energy and the Haide College Joint Institute, fostering collaboration and innovation. Boyin’s strategic thinking and responsiveness have been crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the successful delivery of projects and programs. His leadership during this period included negotiating with the Australian government on project variations and implementing a blended teaching model post-COVID, demonstrating his ability to make swift, impactful decisions.

His dedication to student support and professional development has significantly enhanced the learning experience and academic outcomes for students. Boyin has established the Haide College Academic Integrity Policy and Management System, embedding academic integrity and excellence in teaching. He has also led professional development programs for staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. Boyin’s people leadership is evident in his mentorship and support for colleagues and students. He has been a go-to person for dealing with challenging professional situations and strategic discussions, providing valuable guidance and support. His efforts have created a supportive and inclusive environment, helping new recruits navigate their professional development and ensuring a sense of belonging for all.