Research Impact Award Finalists
This award recognises an individual or team who have demonstrated excellence in the translation of research in any and all forms, which may include products, services, policy reform, new companies including social enterprise that are demonstrably delivering significant impact and benefits for industry and/or broader society and community. This may include social, economic, cultural and/or environmental impact.
Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered Team
Professor Philip Morgan, Dr Lee Ashton, Dan Lee, Kirsten Smith, Associate Professor Narelle Eather, and Associate Professor Myles Young
Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is an evidence-based program transforming gender equity and physical activity by engaging fathers/father-figures and their primary school-aged daughters in an eight-week intervention. It improves girls’ sport skills, wellbeing, and father-daughter relationships, with impacts sustained up to eight years post-program. Innovative, collaborative partnerships with government, industry, schools, councils and peak sporting bodies have seen the program scaled across Australia and internationally. The program has reached 6,800 participants across five countries, generated $5.5M research funding and $500K commercial income, and earned 20+ awards, including commendation by the World Health Organization. This groundbreaking program received national recognition when named dual winner of the Outstanding Engagement for Research Impact category at the Engagement Australia 2025 Excellence Awards in November 2025.
Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin, School of Engineering
This year, Distinguished Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin secured a $1.5 million Australian Economic Accelerator grant to advance the Reflux Classifier – a transformative mineral processing technology developed at the University of Newcastle. With over 100 units deployed globally, the technology can separate fine particles based on density, delivering billions in industry savings and improved sustainability. The next-generation prototype will enhance efficiency and scalability. Kevin’s leadership and collaboration with FLSmidth have successfully translated cutting-edge research into real-world impact across the critical minerals sector.
Name.Narrate.Navigate
Dr Louise Rak, Daniel Ebbin, Associate Professor Shaun McCarthy, Dr Chris Krogh, Dr Meaghan Katrak Harris, Dr Sally Hunt, and Associate Professor Tamara Blakemore
The Name.Narrate.Navigate (NNN) program represents ground-breaking innovation in youth violence intervention, uniquely integrating Aboriginal knowledge systems with trauma neuroscience. Led by Associate Professor Tamara Blakemore, this world-first model has secured $5.95 million in funding, generated 130+ research outputs, and engaged 2,000+ practitioners across five states. NNN has influenced policy across eight jurisdictions, supported commercially sustainable practices, and been implemented internationally in four countries. respecting cultural integrity and contributing to global outcomes.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.