Awards for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Training
UQ is committed to recognising and rewarding outstanding performance in the supervising, mentoring, and training of HDR candidates. UQ also celebrates the diversity of its research community and recognises those who have facilitated greater collaboration with industry as well as those who continue to demonstrate effective and inspirational graduate leadership.
The Awards for Excellence in Higher Degree Research: Supervision, Leadership and Industry Engagement provide an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and initiatives of advisors and the key benefits they provide to UQ HDR candidates and the broader research community. The awards recognise individuals who show excellence in Research Supervision as well as recognising excellence in advising for emerging academic staff.
The Awards for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Training also acknowledges Excellence in HDR Leadership and Industry Engagement. These categories highlight the diversity of our research community and recognises those who have facilitated greater collaboration with industry as well as recognising those academics who continue to demonstrate leadership in research training and demonstrate effective and inspirational graduate leadership.
Supervision Award
Award Process
An individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an academic/professional staff member or by an HDR candidate (nominator). Award selection is based primarily on written statements addressing the selection criteria (see Selection Criteria - 300 word limit per criteria).
Nominees to complete the online nomination form
An online nomination form is available here for nominees to complete. Ensure all contact details and statements addressing the selection criteria are completed and all supporting documentation is attached to the online nomination form before you submit. There is no capacity to save your work and return later. You will be requested to provide:
- The contact details for:
- yourself (the nominator) and
- the nominee.
- Individual statements addressing the four selection criteria - 300 word limit per criteria.
Once submitted the nominator will receive an email to confirm the submission has been received.
Shortlist - Faculty/Institute
When nominations close, each Faculty/Institute will consider all eligible nominations and select the following to put forward to the Graduate School for final selection.
- Up to two nominees per Faculty or one nominee per Institute for the Supervision Awards.
Final ranking - Graduate School
All endorsed nominations and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Outcome
Once all eligible nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee the outcome will be provided via email.
Awards ceremony
Nominees will be invited to attend the UQ Research Award ceremony taking place during Research Week in September 2022.
Eligibility
- A nominee for an Supervision Award must be a current UQ academic staff member (continuing and fixed term) with a minimum of three years’ experience supervising, mentoring and/or training HDR candidates at UQ.
- Previous recipients of the Award for Excellence in HDR Supervision are not eligible to receive another award.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees may be renominated.
- Shortlisted nominees must provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision (see Selection criteria) as well as the requested supporting documentation (see Supporting documentation).
Selection Criteria
The Nominee’s performance in a research training supervision role will be judged in part by how effectively they provide:
- Evidence of high quality and innovative research supervision practice. This may include principal,associate and team supervision;
- Evidence of the impact and outcomes of research supervision, including successful and timely HDR completions and co-publication or production of other research outputs with or by their candidates. This may also include the promotion of industry engagement and the development of HDR candidate’s employability skills and professional networks;
- Evidence of positive post-graduation outcomes of candidates; and
- Demonstrated leadership in research supervision including the provision of mentoring to less experienced supervisors.
The Selection Committee(s) may also consider evidence of high quality performance relative to opportunity by examining:
- The nominee’s candidate timely completion rates;
- The nominee’s candidate withdrawals;
- Number of years supervising; and
- Written statements from the nominator(s).
Supporting documentation (shortlisted only)
The following supporting documentation will be requested from shortlisted nominees to provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision:
- Statements addressing each of the selection criteria (300 word limit per criteria);
- Academic curriculum vitae (brief); and
- Endorsement from Head of School or Institute Director (Graduate School to request).
Selection and Prizes
Selection
The shortlisting committee will be made up of members of the Faculty or Institute. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to provide supporting documentation, which will be reviewed by the final selection committee chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School or delegate and consist of past excellence award winners. The committee does not take into account:
- The distribution of Awards to particular Schools, Institutes and/or Faculties; or
- The outcome of previous unsuccessful nominations.
Prize
The Supervision Award winner/s will receive a certificate of recognition, a trophy and $5,000. Payment of the award prize will be made as a one off payment into a research account nominated by the recipient. Relevant taxation and superannuation arrangements will apply to one off salary payments.
One Supervision Award winner will also be put forward for nomination into the 2023 Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision.
The number of awards available for each category may vary each year.
Industry Advisor Award
Award Process
An individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an academic/professional staff member or by an HDR candidate (nominator). Award selection is based primarily on written statements addressing the selection criteria (see Selection Criteria - 300 word limit per criteria).
Nominees to complete the online nomination form
An online nomination form is available here for nominees to complete. Ensure all contact details and statements addressing the selection criteria are completed and all supporting documentation is attached to the online nomination form before you submit. There is no capacity to save your work and return later. You will be requested to provide:
- The contact details for:
- yourself (the nominator) and
- the nominee.
- Individual statements addressing the four selection criteria - 300 word limit per criteria.
Once submitted the nominator will receive an email to confirm the submission has been received.
Shortlist - Faculty/Institute
When nominations close, each Faculty/Institute will consider all eligible nominations and select the following to put forward to the Graduate School for final selection.
- Up to one nominees per Faculty or one nominee per Institute for the Industry Advisor Award.
Final ranking - Graduate School
All endorsed nominations and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Outcome
Once all eligible nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee the outcome will be provided via email.
Awards ceremony
Nominees will be invited to attend the UQ Research Award ceremony taking place during Research Week in September 2022.
Eligibility
- A nominee for a Industry Advisor Award must currently be supervising a HDR candidate at UQ and hold a position within industry or government.
- Shortlisted nominees must provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision (see Selection criteria) as well as the requested supporting documentation (see Supporting documentation).
Selection Criteria
The Nominee’s performance in a industry advisor supervision role will be judged in part by how effectively they provide:
- Evidence of high quality and innovative research supervision practice. This may include principal,associate and team supervision;
- Evidence of the impact and outcomes of research supervision, including successful and timely HDR progression and co-publication or production of other research outputs with or by their candidates. This may also include the promotion of industry engagement and the development of HDR candidate’s employability skills and professional networks;
- Evidence of positive post-graduation outcomes of candidates (if applicable); and
- Demonstrated leadership in research supervision including the provision of mentoring to less experienced supervisors.
The Selection Committee(s) may also consider evidence of high quality performance relative to opportunity by examining:
- The nominee’s candidate timely completion rates;
- The nominee’s candidate withdrawals;
- Number of years supervising; and
- Written statements from the nominator(s).
Supporting documentation (shortlisted only)
The following supporting documentation will be requested from shortlisted nominees to provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision:
- Statements addressing each of the selection criteria (300 word limit per criteria); and
- Curriculum Vitae.
Selection and Prizes
Selection
The shortlisting committee will be made up of members of the Faculty or Institute. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to provide supporting documentation, which will be reviewed by the final selection committee chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School or delegate and consist of past excellence award winners. The committee does not take into account:
- The distribution of Awards to particular Schools, Institutes and/or Faculties; or
- The outcome of previous unsuccessful nominations.
Prize
The winning individual/s will receive a certificate of recognition, a trophy and a $100 gift voucher to Patina. Patina is a beautiful modern and contemporary restaurant which provides an exceptional paddock to plate philosophy and unique shared dining experience to guests.
The number of awards available for each category may vary each year.
Emerging Advisor Award
Award Process
An individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an academic/professional staff member or by an HDR candidate (nominator). Award selection is based primarily on written statements addressing the selection criteria (see Selection Criteria - 300 word limit per criteria).
Nominees to complete the online nomination form
An online nomination form is available here for nominees to complete. Ensure all contact details and statements addressing the selection criteria are completed and all supporting documentation is attached to the online nomination form before you submit. There is no capacity to save your work and return later. You will be requested to provide:
- The contact details for:
- yourself (the nominator) and
- the nominee.
- Individual statements addressing the four selection criteria - 300 word limit per criteria.
Once submitted the nominator will receive an email to confirm the submission has been received.
Shortlist - Faculty/Institute
When nominations close, each Faculty/Institute will consider all eligible nominations and select the following to put forward to the Graduate School for final selection.
- One nominee per Faculty or one nominee per Institute for the Emerging Advisor Award.
Final ranking - Graduate School
All endorsed nominations and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Outcome
Once all eligible nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee the outcome will be provided via email.
Awards ceremony
Nominees will be invited to attend the UQ Research Award ceremony taking place during Research Week in September 2022.
Eligibility
- A nominee for an Emerging Advisor Award must be a current UQ academic staff member (continuing and fixed term) who has supervised, mentored and/or trained five or less HDR candidates at UQ.
- Emerging Advisor Award recipients will be eligible in future for a Supervision Award.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees may be renominated.
- Shortlisted nominees must provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision (see Selection criteria) as well as the requested supporting documentation (see Supporting documentation).
Selection Criteria
The Nominee’s performance in a research training supervision role will be judged in part by how effectively they provide:
- Evidence of high quality and innovative research supervision practice. This may include principal,associate and team supervision;
- Evidence of the impact and outcomes of research supervision, including successful and timely HDR completions and co-publication or production of other research outputs with or by their candidates. This may also include the promotion of industry engagement and the development of HDR candidate’s employability skills and professional networks;
- Evidence of positive post-graduation outcomes of candidates; and
- Demonstrated leadership in research supervision including the provision of mentoring to less experienced supervisors.
The Selection Committee(s) may also consider evidence of high quality performance relative to opportunity by examining:
- The nominee’s candidate timely completion rates;
- The nominee’s candidate withdrawals;
- Number of years supervising; and
- Written statements from the nominator(s).
Supporting documentation (shortlisted only)
The following supporting documentation will be requested from shortlisted nominees to provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision:
- Statements addressing each of the selection criteria (300 word limit per criteria);
- Academic curriculum vitae (brief); and
- Endorsement from Head of School or Institute Director (Graduate School to request).
Selection and Prizes
Selection
The shortlisting committee will be made up of members of the Faculty or Institute. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to provide supporting documentation, which will be reviewed by the final selection committee chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School or delegate and consist of past excellence award winners. The committee does not take into account:
- The distribution of Awards to particular Schools, Institutes and/or Faculties; or
- The outcome of previous unsuccessful nominations.
Prize
The Emerging Advisor recipient/s will receive a certificate of recognition, a trophy and $2,000. Payment of the award prize will be made as a one off payment into a research account nominated by the recipient. Relevant taxation and superannuation arrangements will apply to one off salary payments.
The number of awards available for each category may vary each year.
Award Winners
Congratulations to our 2021 award winners
- Professor Paul Mills (Veterinary Science) - Winner
- Professor Susanne Schmidt (Agriculture and Food Science) - Winner
- Associate Professor Zuduo Zheng (Civil Engineering) - Emerging Advisor Award
Congratulations to our 2020 award winners
- Associate Professor Peter Cabot (School of Pharmacy) - Winner
- Associate Professor Elske van de Fliert (School of Communication and Arts) - Winner
- Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri (School of Veterinary Science) - Emerging Advisor Award
- Professor Blake McKimmie (School of Psychology) - Certificate of Commendation
Congratulations to our 2019 award winners
- Associate Professor Katie Makar (School of Education) - Winner
- Associate Professor Alexander Scheuermann (School of Civil Engineering) - Winner
- Associate Professor Irina Vetter (IMB / School of Pharmacy) - Winner
- Professor Andrew Whittaker (AIBN / School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience) - Winner
- Associate Professor Michael Piper (QBI / School of Biomedical Sciences) - Emerging Advisor Award
Congratulations to our 2018 award winners
- Associate Professor Thomas Burne (Queensland Brain Institute) - Winner
- Associate Professor Helen Huang (School of IT and Electrical Engineering) - Winner
- Professor Joanne Meers (School of Veterinary Science) - Winner
- Professor Lianzhou Wang (School of Chemical Engineering) - Winner
- Associate Professor Ian Hardy (School of Education) - Emerging Advisor Award
Congratulations to our 2017 award winners
- Professor Thomas Baldock - School of Civil Engineering
- Professor Elizabeth Ward - School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Professor Sara Dolnicar - School of Business
- Professor Sara Dolnicar - School of Business
- Professor Stuart Phinn - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Dr Fiona Barlow - School of Psychology
- Associate Professor Jonathan Rhodes - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Congratulations to our 2016 award winners
- Associate Professor Winnifred Louis - School of Psychology
- Professor Greg Monteith - School of Pharmacy
- Professor and Head of School Margaret Barret - School of Music
- Associate Professor Amin Abbosh - School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- Associate Professor Jason Tangen - School of Psychology
Congratulations to our 2015 award winners
- Professor Linda Worrall
- Professor Penelope Sanderson
- Associate Professor Richard Fuller - Commendation
Congratulations to our 2014 award winners
Congratulations to our 2013 award winners
Nomination process
An individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an academic or professional staff member (nominator). Nominations by HDR candidates not be accepted. Award selection is based primarily on written statements addressing the selection criteria (see Selection Criteria - 300 word limit per criteria).
Nominees to complete the online nomination form
An online nomination form is available here for nominees to complete. Ensure all contact details and statements addressing the selection criteria are completed and all supporting documentation is attached to the online nomination form before you submit. There is no capacity to save your work and return later.
You will be requested to provide:
- The contact details for:
- yourself (the nominator) and
- the nominee.
- Individual statements addressing the four selection criteria - 300 word limit per criteria.
Once submitted the nominator will receive an email to confirm the submission has been received.
Shortlist - Faculty/Institute
When nominations close, each Faculty/Institute will consider all eligible nominations and select the following to put forward to the Graduate School for final selection.
- Up to two nominees per Faculty or 1 nominee per Institute.
Supporting documentation - Shortlisted only
The following supporting documentation will be required from the nominee to provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision.
- Academic curriculum vitae;
- Written statements addressing the selection criteria from nominator(s) and nominee(s);
- Supporting statements from current and graduated candidates and academic colleagues; and
- Evidence of particular initiatives of candidates’ achievements.
Final ranking - Graduate School
All endorsed nominations and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Outcome
Once all eligible nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee the outcome will be provided via email.
Awards ceremony
Nominees will be invited to attend the UQ Research Award ceremony taking place during Research Week in September 2022.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Eligibility
To be eligible:
- Nominees must be a current UQ academic staff member on a continuing or fixed term appointment with no less than 0.4 EFT (or an adjunct appointment) at UQ for a minimum of two years at the time of application.
- Previous recipients of the award are not eligible for renomination within three years of receiving an award.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated.
- Nominees must provide evidence of high quality performance relative to opportunity (see Selection Criteria).
Any award recipient who is no longer employed by UQ at the time of the announcement of the awards will be issued a certificate of recognition, but they will not be entitled to an award prize.
Selection criteria
The Nominee’s (individual or team) performance in a research training leadership role will be judged in part by how effectively they provide:
- Evidence of initiatives that have enabled a strong and supportive intellectual community for HDR candidates within their academic unit;
- Evidence of contribution to the development and maintenance of high quality and innovative HDR and/or skill development programs; and
- Evidence of support and mentoring for HDR supervisors;
- Evidence of contributions to the development and strengthening of institutional and local HDR strategy and policy, and
- Supporting statements from relevant stakeholders
Supporting documentation (shortlisted only)
The following supporting documentation will be required from the nominee (individual or team) to provide evidence of high quality research training leadership.
- Academic curriculum vitae;
- Written statements addressing the selection criteria from nominator(s) and nominee(s);
- Supporting statements from current and graduated candidates and academic colleagues; and
- Evidence of particular initiatives of candidates’ achievements.
Selection and prizes
Selection
The shortlisting committee will be made up of members of the Faculty or Institute. The final selection committee is chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School or delegate and members consist of past excellence award winners. They consider all eligible nominees (individual or team) and select awardees. In doing so, the committee does not take into account:
- The distribution of Awards to particular Schools, Institutes and/or Faculties; or
- The outcome of previous unsuccessful nominations.
Prizes
The winning individual or team will receive a certificate of recognition, a trophy and $5,000. Payment of the award prize will be made as a one off payment into a research account nominated by the recipient. Relevant taxation and superannuation arrangements will apply to one off salary payments.
The winning individual or team will also be put forward for nomination into the 2023 Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership.
Winner 2021
Congratulations to the 2021 Leadership Award winner Dr Ben Ross (School of Pharmacy)!
Winner 2020
Congratulations to the 2020 Leadership Award winner Dr Suzanna Fay (School of Social Science)!
Nomination process
An individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an academic or professional staff member (nominator). Nominations by HDR candidates not be accepted. Award selection is based primarily on written statements addressing the selection criteria (see Selection Criteria - 300 word limit per criteria).
Nominees to complete the online nomination form
An online nomination form is available here for nominees to complete. Ensure all contact details and statements addressing the selection criteria are completed and all supporting documentation is attached to the online nomination form before you submit. There is no capacity to save your work and return later.
You will be requested to provide:
- The contact details for:
- yourself (the nominator) and
- the nominee.
- Individual statements addressing the four selection criteria - 300 word limit per criteria.
Once submitted the nominator will receive an email to confirm the submission has been received.
Shortlist - Faculty/Institute
When nominations close, each Faculty/Institute will consider all eligible nominations and select the following to put forward to the Graduate School for final selection.
- Up to two nominees per Faculty or 1 nominee per Institute.
Supporting documentation - Shortlisted only
The following supporting documentation will be required from the nominee to provide evidence of high-quality research training supervision.
- Academic curriculum vitae;
- Written statements addressing the selection criteria from nominator(s) and nominee(s);
- Supporting statements from at least one industry partner and one HDR candidate;
- Supporting statements from current and graduated candidates and academic colleagues; and
- Evidence of particular initiatives of candidates’ achievements.
Final ranking - Graduate School
All endorsed nominations and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
Outcome
Once all eligible nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee the outcome will be provided via email.
Awards ceremony
Nominees will be invited to attend the UQ Research Award ceremony taking place during Research Week in September 2022.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Eligibility
To be eligible:
- Nominee must be a current UQ professional or academic staff member on a continuing or fixed term appointment with no less than 0.4 EFT (or an adjunct appointment) at UQ for a minimum of two years at the time of application.
- Previous recipients of the award are not eligible for renomination within three years of receiving an award.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated.
- Nominees must provide evidence of high quality performance relative to opportunity (see Selection Criteria).
Any award recipient who is no longer employed by UQ at the time of the announcement of the awards will be issued a certificate of recognition, but they will not be entitled to an award prize.
Selection criteria
The Nominee's (individual or team) performance in a research training industry engagement role will be judged in part by how effectively they provide:
- Evidence of initiatives that have enabled successful and effective collaborations between HDR candidates and industry partners;
- Evidence of graduate research programs, support and/or supervision that supports HDR candidates to develop strong employability skills and wide professional networks;
- Evidence of projects or initiatives that demonstrate and promote the value of HDR candidates and graduates to industry; and
- Supporting statements from HDR candidates and industry partners.
Supporting documentation (shortlisted only)
The following supporting documentation will be required from the nominee (individual or team) to provide evidence of high quality industry engagement.
- Academic curriculum vitae;
- Written statements addressing the selection criteria from nominator(s) and nominee(s);
- Supporting statements from at least one industry partner and one HDR candidate
- Supporting statement from current and graduated candidates and academic colleagues; and
- Evidence of particular initiatives of candidates’ achievement.
Selection and prizes
Selection
The shortlisting committee will be made up of members of the Faculty or Institute. The final selection committee is chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School or delegate and members consist of past excellence award winners. They consider all eligible nominees (individual or team) and select awardees. In doing so, the final selection committee does not take into account:
- The distribution of Awards to particular Schools, Institutes and/or Faculties; or
- The outcome of previous unsuccessful nominations
Prizes
The winning individual or team will receive a certificate of recognition, a trophy and $5,000. Payment of the award prize will be made as a one off payment into a research account nominated by the recipient. Relevant taxation and superannuation arrangements will apply to one off salary payments.
The winning individual will also be put forward for nomination into the 2023 Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership.
Winner 2021
Congratulations to the 2021 Industry Engagement Award winner Associate Professor Jason Tangen (School of Psychology)!
Winner 2020
Congratulations to the 2020 Industry Engagement Award winner Professor Brenda Gannon (School of Economics)!