The Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) has announced the recipients of the 2025 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 eighth year, the awards showcase best practice in higher degree research (HDR) across supervision, leadership, industry engagement and candidate support. In 2025, ACGR introduced a new category — Graduate Research in Indigenous Excellence and Empowerment — 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 inaugural award for Graduate Research in Indigenous Excellence and Empowerment was presented to a multi-disciplinary team: Professor Peter Anderson, Dr Thu Pham, Mr Ashley Fox and Ms Angela Bautista from Griffith University. Their work across two major national initiatives has led to enduring structural change — including the creation of tailored academic roles, culturally safe supervision frameworks, and mentoring programs designed by and for Indigenous researchers.
Professor Brett Paull from the University of Tasmania received the award for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision (sponsored by ProQuest). Over three decades, Professor Paull has supported more than 50 HDR students to completion, most in under four years. His supervision style blends research rigour with real-world relevance — with many graduates completing internships or industry-linked projects and remaining active collaborators in their fields.
Professor Peter Hoffmann from the University of South Australia received the award for Excellence in Industry Engagement for pioneering collaborative PhD programs with major partners such as CSL Limited and Coopers Brewery. His approach embeds HDR candidates in real-world research settings, creating clear academic and employment pathways.
In the Leadership category (sponsored by Epigeum), Professor Samantha Bennett from the Australian National University was recognised for transformative contributions to graduate research policy and culture in the humanities, arts and social sciences. She has led significant reform in thesis formats, candidate support, and supervisor training — championing equity, safety and innovation across the HDR landscape.
Professor Vijay Kumar Mallan from the University of Otago was recognised for his leadership of the Otago Doctoral Supervision Programme. The program has reshaped doctoral supervision across disciplines, with a focus on mental health, inclusive practice, and the integration of Māori and Pacific perspectives. Its impact has extended well beyond New Zealand, with elements presented at over 45 universities in 15 countries.
The ACGR also recognised three Highly Commended recipients in 2025:
- Dr Sharon Saunders, (Programs and Support)
- Timescales of Mineral Systems Group, Curtin University (Supervision – sponsored by ProQuest)
- Associate Professor Marnee Shay, University of Queensland (Indigenous Excellence and Empowerment)
For more information about the awards and this year’s recipients, visit https://www.acgr.edu.au/awards/2025-acgr-awards-for-excellence/.
Media contact:
Tracy Sullivan
Executive Director, Australian Council of Graduate Research
0433 104 875
exec@acgr.edu.au
www.acgr.edu.au