Individual Award Finalists

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance, service or achievements.

Dr Louisa Connors, Resources Division – TEQSA Re-Registration Project

As lead of the Quality and Standards Team, Louise played a pivotal role in the University’s successful re-registration with TEQSA in 2024-25. Her expertise in regulatory frameworks, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality were instrumental in coordinating the compilation of extensive evidence required for the submission. Louisa embodies the University's values of professionalism, integrity, and strategic leadership. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the University’s reputation and operational resilience.

Alicia Douglas, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Alicia is a driving force behind Australia’s leading paediatric brain cancer research programs. For seven years, she has championed consumer engagement, streamlined complex research pipelines, and built professional trust that has helped secure more than $40 million in funding. Alicia’s leadership drove the first FDA-approved therapy for diffuse midline glioma and the launch of PNOC022, an international adaptive clinical trial enrolling more than 200 children. She has transformed University research into a model of transparency, compliance, and collaboration, making a profound difference for families facing the deadliest childhood cancer.

Ilyse Jones - Impact Through Research Support

Ilyse Jones provides exceptional support to members of our cross-college (CHMW and CESE) Food and Nutrition HMRI Research program and the No Money No Time (NMNT) website project team. Having supported NMNT since the grant award in 2018, she is integral to the program’s success. Ilyse has driven NMNT’s growth, including collaborations with headspace, Western Sydney Diabetes, and refugee health services, and expanded its reach through podcasts, social media, and strategic partnerships.  Her efforts have delivered and estimated $724,000 in leveraged sponsorship value and $1.5M in media value, supporting NMNT's growth and development into a highly respected and trusted program.