The Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) has announced the recipients of the 2026 ACGR Awards for Excellence in Graduate Research, recognising individuals and teams making outstanding contributions to graduate research education across Australia and beyond.
Now in its ninth year, the awards showcase best practice in higher degree research (HDR) across supervision, leadership, industry engagement, and candidate support. Following its successful introduction last year, the category for Graduate Research in Indigenous Excellence and Empowerment continues to recognise initiatives that are reshaping research culture and systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR candidates.
“All of our awardees are driving change across the sector: from improving supervisory practice and program design, to leading national collaboration and building spaces where diverse researchers can thrive,” says Professor Louise Sharpe, President of the ACGR.
The award for Graduate Research in Indigenous Excellence and Empowerment was presented to an Indigenous-led team from the University of Queensland Poche Centre for Indigenous Health: Professor James Ward, Associate Professor Judith Dean, Dr Stephen Harfield and Rebekah Hauiti. Their pioneering “Pathways to a PhD: Doing Research for Mob” program has demystified the doctoral journey for 78 participants nationwide, successfully driving 12 new enrolments across PhD and MPhil pathways and establishing an empowering, community-accountable ecosystem that supports First Nations researchers to thrive.
Professor Udoy Saikia from Flinders University received the award for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision (sponsored by ProQuest). Across more than two decades, Professor Saikia has mentored 28 PhD candidates to completion, with over 85% of his graduates finishing on time. Grounded in his three core pillars of empathy, trust, and high expectations, his culturally responsive supervision has shaped a global generation of demographers whose research directly drives community wellbeing and nation-building across the Indo-Pacific.
Professor Lee Hickey from The University of Queensland received the award for Excellence in Promoting Industry Engagement in Graduate Research. Professor Hickey spearheaded the $13.5 million ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding, partnering with 36 industry organisations. His innovative training model embeds candidates directly in commercial plant breeding programs across 10 agricultural sectors, ensuring that 100% of his 24 graduates have transitioned successfully into high-impact academic and commercial careers.
In the Leadership category (sponsored by Epigeum), Professor Kathryn Burdon from the University of Tasmania was recognised for her transformative, student-centred leadership as Deputy Director of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Professor Burdon has pioneered the Institute’s first comprehensive HDR strategy, successfully doubled domestic candidate applications, addressed severe financial stress by expanding top-up scholarships from 9 to 73, and championed peer-led mentoring and interdisciplinary programs to help both candidates and supervisors thrive.
Dr Dani Milos and Mrs Rhiannon Vince from Flinders University were recognised for their leadership of the university-wide HDR Supervisor Development Program in the Programs and Support category. This mandatory framework has transformed academic culture by reframing supervision as an active teaching practice, successfully lifting supervisor engagement to 88% and driving on-time completions to over 90% while maintaining outstanding student satisfaction.
The ACGR also recognised a Highly Commended recipient in 2026:
- Graduate Research School (Supervision Development Team and HDRAC), University of Sydney (Programs and Support)
For more information about the awards and this year’s recipients, visit https://www.acgr.edu.au/awards/2026-acgr-awards-for-excellence
Media contact:
Tracy Sulliva
Executive Director, Australian Council of Graduate Research
0433 104 875
exec@acgr.edu.au
www.acgr.edu.au