The Alumni Medal

The Alumni Medal recognises outstanding excellence in leadership, knowledge and professional practice. The Alumni Medal is the highest honour of the University’s Alumni Excellence Awards.

Previous recipients include exceptional global leaders in international diplomacy, urban renewal, trade and commerce and life changing medical research.

Nominees must meet the following selection criteria:

  • Hold a minimum undergraduate Bachelor degree from the University of Newcastle
  • Demonstrate substantial and significant professional contribution to the global community through the following:
    • Leadership, recognition and standing within their field or profession
    • Advancement of knowledge including research and development in the related knowledge context
    • Advancement of professional practice.

2024 Alumni Excellence Awards

Nominations now open

Nominate today

2023 Recipient

Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine & Health Science) 1999
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology 1996

Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle
NHMRC Investigator Fellow

Unveiling world leading research dietitian Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO 

As Director of the Food and Nutrition Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and a Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Clare Collins is pioneering innovative dietary interventions that will shape the future of health, across the globe.

With a research performance in the top 1% of the world’s most cited scientists in her field of research, Clare leads a global team that includes dietitians, nutritionists, biochemists, computer scientists, biomedical engineers and software developers who collaborate with government and non-government organisations, industry and researchers in Australia and around the world.

With over four decades of experience in the field, her passion for transformative change was ignited during her tenure as a specialist paediatric dietitian at the Hunter Area Cystic Fibrosis Unit.

“My first specialised job was as a dietitian to the Hunter Region’s Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. I really wondered whether what I did was working, whether it really made a difference, and my boss said you can answer that if you do research. I was pretty determined that would be the best way to make a difference.”

Her decision to delve into research in Cystic Fibrosis Nutrition ultimately led her to the University of Newcastle, where she enrolled in postgraduate studies in Clinical Epidemiology. This initial step paved the way for her to further pursue a PhD at the same institution, solidifying her dedication to advancing the field of nutritional health and dietetics.

Since then, Clare has made major contributions to knowledge on the impact of improving diet quality, nutrition and food patterns on health and wellbeing outcomes. Her current research in precision and personalised nutrition is driving a paradigm shift in technologies that improve the delivery of medical nutrition therapy to under-served groups. Leading a global team of research dietitians, she pioneers the development of personalised food and nutrition eHealth tools, revolutionising nutrition and diet-related health across diverse life stages and chronic disease conditions.

Clare’s transformative tools, such as the Australian Eating Survey and Australia’s Healthy Eating Quiz, have empowered countless individuals to take charge of their health journeys. Her social movement venture, "No Money No Time”, provides accessible, personalised advice for healthier choices that are helping individuals save money and time when it comes to food and nutrition.

2023 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO 2:53

Internationally renowned for her expertise, Clare is a Fellow of four prestigious bodies, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, the Nutrition Society of Australia, Dietitians Australia, and the Royal Society of NSW and in 2023 was made a Life member of Dietitian Australia, based on her contribution to her professional body. She has also earned three prestigious National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) research fellowships and in 2021 was recognised with the NHMRC Elizabeth Blackburn Investigator Grant Award, where she emerged as the highest-ranked female applicant.

“I’m very fortunate to have been at this place, in this time, and being one of the first women to get these fellowships. I can’t remember whether it was four or five times I applied before I got my first NHMRC Fellowship. The key thing is not that you didn’t get it, it’s actually that you get back up off the canvas when you’ve been knocked out.”

She has also been awarded over $30 million dollars in research grants and published over 500 journal articles but takes most pride in the 38PhD and Master candidates she has supervised to completion so far.

“I’ve graduated 38 research higher degree students and for me, I think that’s the best way I can not only build an impact but leave a legacy, because it’s so exciting when you see their career journeys taking off, and we really have grown a strong tribe of dietician researchers right here at the University of Newcastle.”

As a skilled nutrition science communicator, Clare’s influence extends to print, radio, and national TV programs. She regularly writes for The Conversation, where she is the most-read Australian contributor, and engages a youth audience through frequent appearances on ABC’s youth radio program Triple J.  In January 2023, Clare was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to nutritional health and dietetics research, scientific organisations, and science communication. Very few alumni women have ever received this prestigious award, making it a remarkable achievement.

Undoubtedly, Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO epitomises leadership, dedication, and impact. In an era where health is paramount, her legacy serves as a roadmap toward a healthier world.

“We don’t know all the answers yet, but we will eventually and that’s why doing the science, right now, is so important.”