Loud Sky Exhibition and Community Projects

Dr Kathleen McPhillips - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science

Through multiple arts-based events in 2022 and 2023, the Loud Sky exhibition and community projects drew attention to the impacts of institutional child abuse in the Hunter region and the resilience of survivors, demonstrating committed service to the community of survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. The collaboration between the Lock-Up Art Gallery, University of Newcastle and the Clergy Abused Network demonstrated a dynamic partnership that resulted in this arts-based project with multiple beneficial outcomes.

The International Survey of Catholic Women Team

Anita Harvey - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Gemma Wolk - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Dr Kathleen McPhillips - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Dr Miriam Pepper - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Dr Tracy McEwan - Office PVC Human and Social Futures

The most extensive global survey of Catholic women ever undertaken was carried out by Kathleen, Tracy and Miriam. The International Survey of Catholic Women resulted in three major research reports being published across 2022 and 2023. The researchers worked in close collaboration with the University’s Media team (Gemma and Anita). The main report gained significant media coverage in March 2023 when the researchers presented it to Pope Francis in Rome.

Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases (GCGD)

Florence Bartlett, Professor Hubert Hondermarck, Dr Muhammad Fairuz Jamaluddin, Professor Pradeep Tanwar, Mr Riazuddin Mohammed, Dr Shafiq Syed - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Conjoint Associate Professor Jim Scurry, Dr Ken Jaaback, Dr Tania Day - School of Medicine and Public Health

The GCGD serves as a crucial industry hub, conducting trials and fostering enduring partnerships between our University and industry. Their outstanding collaboration with external health industry partners has secured $13,977,416 in funding since 2022. They co-founded a biotech startup valued at $45 million. They maintain strong connections with prominent biopharmaceutical companies, contribute to research and income generation, and elevate our University's global standing. Their commitment extends to nurturing emerging researchers, with several members receiving competitive fellowships.

Human Resource Services

Sharon Stow - Human Resource Services

Sharon has demonstrated exemplary dedication and innovation in developing and implementing the WHS Dashboard. This initiative is a testament to her vision and commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. The dashboard has not only improved safety outcomes but has also created a culture where University leaders are empowered to actively participate in our University's safety journey. This initiative is a shining example of her outstanding commitment to enhancing and promoting safety.

Competency Access Isolator – NU Team

Dr Alexander Gregg - School of Engineering, Amanda Hill - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Andrea Thomas - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Josh Bywater - School of Engineering, Lachlan Barrell - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment

A collaboration between the College of Engineering, Science and Environment and professional engineering student teams organisation, NU Teams saw our University take home the Most Innovative WHS Idea (Large Organisation) prize from the Hunter Safety Awards and the WHS Technology Initiative at the Australian WHS Awards. The Competency Access Isolators System requires students to scan their ID cards to determine if they hold the appropriate training and competency to access workshop and lab equipment.

Office DVC - Research and Innovation

Siobhan Curran

Siobhan was selected as Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Asia Pacific), plus People’s Choice Award winner, at the global Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence (Triple E) Awards, and was part of a team that won Best Pitch at the Leveraging Innovative Technologies for Ageing Well conference, in Geneva. This recognition is the culmination of a sustained seven-year effort in establishing a highly successful innovation and entrepreneurship presence at our University.

Early Entry Program Team

David Donnelly - Student Central, Kellie Masters - Student Central, Bernadette McTeare - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Belinda Rose - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Rob Brooks - Student Central, Dr Ben Shelton - Student Central, Lloyd Blaxland - Strategy, Planning and Performance, Kate Sobb - Student Central, Emily Middleton - Student Central, Simon Bush - Future Students Communications and Engagement

In response to significant competitive pressures in the domestic student recruitment market, this cross-divisional team collaborated to send a record number of undergraduate offers through our University's first Early Entry Program. Navigating a new system, new data analyses, and 15 versions of communications, the team sent more than 10,000 offers to applicants with a 71% acceptance rate. This is nearly double the historical number of offers sent ahead of Semester 1.

Future Students Communications and Engagement

Shahni Wellington

Shahni is a proud Wandi Wandi & Jerrinja woman and Communications Specialist who goes above and beyond to ensure the stories behind the University’s commitment to excellence in Indigenous higher education are told. Shahni has a unique storytelling ability and uses her skills to inform our communities on critically important issues. She does so with resounding professionalism, poise and a genuine commitment to our First Nations staff, students and community.

Student Success and Retention Project

Professor Laura-Anne Bull - Student Central, Kate Tucknott - Student Central, Kate McKenny - Student Central, Josh Seymour - Student Central, Jackie Adamson - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Emma Bence - Student Central, Amanda Callinan - Future Students Communications and Engagement

The Student Success and Retention Project improved student success and retention by proactively addressing student questions/concerns and promoting relevant support services. The project involved calls to all 2023 commencing students (Undergraduate, Post-graduate, PALs) across all terms at key stages: prior to Census date, at the peak of assessment/exams preparation, and post-Fully Graded date. A 2% increase in retention target was set and exceed throughout each 2023 study term for commencing students.

Specialist Peer Mentoring Program

Georgie Kerr and Katy Lambert - Student Central

Using evidence-based strategies, the peer mentoring program seeks to remove barriers to learning by creating academic and social opportunities for neurodiverse participants resulting in increased participation, retention, and positive student experience. This specialist program for neurodivergent students is a collaborative initiative of the Student Wellbeing Team.

School of Medicine and Public Health

Dr Elissa Jane Elvidge - School of Medicine and Public Health

Consideration of how to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion in research pervades all aspects of Elissa’s work and is evident in the high regard in which she is universally held by colleagues, research partners and community members. In part, this reflects Elissa’s focus on not only considering the challenges of inequity, but on developing insight and tools that can be translated into practice to deliver meaningful change.

School of Education

Tess Rendoth

Tess excels in all aspects of her teaching - she inspires, motivates and influences current and past Teacher Education students who specialise in Special and Inclusive Education by contributing creative approaches to course delivery, design and technologies, including the creation of content for the SoE 360% SimCAVE. The impact of her excellence in teaching and learning has resulted in a trebling of SIE students, a very active alumni within the program, school and SIE community.

Ebon Baxter Menzies

Ebon genuinely cares about teaching students. He is patient, approachable, passionate, and able to explain the technical aspects of the course in a way that students easily understand. His philosophy on teaching is grounded in leading students through the content so they themselves come to understand the concepts involved. This approach as resulted in excellent feedback and teaching scores across nine offerings of STAT1070, reaching approximately 575 students in that time.

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane

Geoff has outstanding teaching and supervision records (Current 7 HDR students and 11 completed). His principal research interest falls into aquatic and marine toxicology. He has secured more than $4 million in research grants and published over 80 Journal articles and book chapters. He believes in student-centred teaching and the use of methodologies that encourage deep learning.

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Dr Sarah Valkenborghs

Sarah is excelling in developing her research track record post-PhD (4.5 years). Her research excellence is reflected by >$1.8M competitive research grant income ($1.7 external, $180K apportioned), 29 publications, and seven awards. She has recently been appointed an ongoing Level B Lecturer and has become an invaluable member of the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy.

Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment

Associate Professor Thayaparan Gajendran

Thayaparan is deeply committed and dedicated to mentoring early career and established academics and professional staff, well beyond standard expectations. He always makes himself available to those seeking advice, sharing his expertise/knowledge and empowering colleagues to develop their confidence. His approachable demeanour and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions create an environment conducive to academic growth and collaboration. His mentorship encompasses career development, personal growth, and cultivating a supportive network and collaborative culture.

Office of Alumni and Philanthropy

Rebecca Hazell

Rebecca is an inspiring leader who has mentored many Newcastle staff over her 10+ years at our University. She makes time to meet regularly with her mentees, and to offer candid, high-quality advice and direction. She has mastered the art of the difficult question, and provides a safe and supportive ear for the answer. Rebecca is a passionate advocate and role model for female leaders and is an inspiration to the next generation.

SBSP Early Career Researcher Association

Amber Pillar, Dr Heather Murray, Dr Henry Gomez, Dr Julia Shaw, Laura Dowling, Dr Sarah Valkenborghs, Thomas Adams and Dr William Reay - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Early Career Research Association is an outstanding voluntary team of HDR students and early career researchers (ECRs) with a passion to support and enhance the success of all research students and ECRs within the School and beyond. The team demonstrates excellence in all aspects of leadership and are shaping the future for the next generation of international leaders in biomedical research.

School of Architecture and Built Environment

Taona Afful

Taona is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively seeking out staff and students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to connect them to the necessary support. She goes the extra mile by assisting staff in interview and promotion preparation, making a significant difference in their career development. The University benefits significantly from Taona's behaviour and attitudes, as she creates a more inclusive and diverse environment while fostering excellence in both her team and the broader University community.