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Alumni Awards

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney is a leader in education and research. Meet the alumni who are turning bold ideas into global impact.
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At ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney, we take pride in our heritage of fostering progress and innovation. For 75 years, we've been at the forefront of education and research, dedicated to leaving our world better than we found it. Our alumni are pivotal to this mission—sharp minds that have taken brave ideas and turned them into actions with momentous impact worldwide.

You can also learn about the nomination process, discover the stories of ourÌýpast winnersÌý´Ç°ù someone today.Ìý

Meet our 2025 winners

Annette Larkin - Art and Culture

"With all the bad news that goes on in the world...art can be an escape into somebody else's mind, into somebody else's history."ÌýÌý

Annette is a leading figure in the Australian and international art world, renowned for her expertise in curation, valuation, and art advisory — shaping major collections, championing contemporary art, and advancing Australia’s cultural landscape.ÌýAnnette Larkin brings over four decades of specialist experience in the Australian and international art markets. Establishing her business in 2006, Larkin manages major corporate collections, works closely with private collectors of significant Australian and International art and is highly respected as a valuer of many areas of collecting.

In her 11 years at Christie's Australia (1995-2006), many as Associate Director and Head of Contemporary Art, she established stand-alone sales of contemporary art, liasing and travelling to Asia, United States and Europe for the auctions of contemporary and modern, international and asian art. Prior to this, Larkin worked at the major Sydney commercial gallery, Macquarie Galleries, researcher at Art Gallery of New South Wales and was curator at Newcastle Art Gallery. In 1994 she was selected by the Australian Government as the Australian Curator and Commissioner for the VIII Indian Triennale, New Delhi.Ìý Larkin has a Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney (1982-1984) and a Master of Arts Administration, University of New South Wales (1991-1993)

At a national level Annette Larkin is a respected art valuer and was a committee member for the Australian Government Cultural Gift Scheme (2007-2010). In addition, she is a member of the Australian Valuers and Auctioneers Association; a Foundation member of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a supporter of Artspace, Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, Historic Houses Trust New South Wales and the Centenary Institute, a medical research institute.Ìý In 1993 she was a founding member, and Chairperson (1996-1998) of the very successful Contemporary Collection Benefactor Program at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.

Deanne Stewart - Professional Achievement

"There's such an opportunity for us to reimagine what retirement could be and how we can help Australians retire with real dignity."Ìý

Deanne is a transformative leader in Australia’s superannuation sector, renowned for driving innovation, responsible investment, and purpose-led leadership that delivers stronger outcomes for members and advances equity across the industry.Ìý

Deanne joined Aware Super as Chief Executive Officer in 2018 and has led its transformation into one of Australia’s largest and top performing super funds. With over A$200 billion in funds under management, she has overseen strong risk-adjusted returns and a market-leading responsible investment approach. Under her leadership, Aware Super now serves more than 1.1 million members nationwide with a digital-first focus and a strong commitment to retirement guidance and advice.

Deanne brings over 30 years of leadership experience across wealth, superannuation, and insurance in Australia and globally. Her career includes roles as CEO of MetLife Australia, General Manager at BT Financial Group, Managing Director at Merrill Lynch Investment Management in New York, and Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company in London.

She currently serves as Independent Chair of the Sydney North HealthCARE Innovation Precinct and sits on the boards of Redkite, Super Members Council and the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors. A passionate advocate for purpose-led leadership and strong workplace culture, Deanne is also a Pay Equity Ambassador for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

Professor Louise Maple-Brown - Research and Teaching Achievement

"We can learn so much from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around health care. It's critical that Aboriginal voices have the power and control around those decisions."Ìý

Louise is a leading endocrinologist and researcher whose pioneering work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has transformed diabetes care and advanced health equity across remote Australia.

Louise Maple-Brown has over 20 years of experience working in leadership roles in Aboriginal health based on Larrakia country in Darwin, Northern Territory. Throughout this time she has worked concurrently as a clinician (Senior Endocrinologist, Royal Darwin Hospital) and health researcher (Senior Principal Research Fellow, Menzies School of Health Research). She is passionate about working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and community-controlled health organisations to improve health outcomes across remote Australia. Ìý
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Louise established and led for 12 years the of researchers, policy makers and health service providers.

Louise was Head of Department of Endocrinology at Royal Darwin Hospital (2012-2022) and founded the NT Diabetes Network in 2018 (inaugural Chair 2018 -2022). She was a member of the Australian Diabetes Society Council (2014-2022) and the Council of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (2011-2014). Louise is a member of the NT Clinical Senate and was recently Deputy Director (Research) at Menzies (2023-24).Ìý
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In 2020 Louise was awarded the Australian Diabetes Society Ranji and Amara Wikramanayake clinical Diabetes Mid-Career Research award and in 2021, Louise was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. 

Professor Jeremy O’BrienÌý-ÌýInnovation & Entrepreneurship (2024)Ìý

"If we could harness quantum mechanics to build a quantum computer, we could bring about a revolution comparable to fire, agriculture, steam power, digital computing."Ìý

Jeremy is a pioneering physicist and quantum computing leader whose three decades of innovation are bringing the world’s first practical quantum computers to life — unlocking breakthroughs across healthcare, climate, and global technology.

O'Brien is co-founder and CEO of PsiQuantum, a quantum computing company soon to deliver the world’s first commercially useful quantum computers. These systems will be used to tackle some of the greatest challenges we face, and to create profound new opportunities. PsiQuantum is partnering with customers and governments globally to bring about transformation across healthcare, climate, finance, transportation, security and beyond.Ìý

O’Brien has dedicated 30 years to this mission and was previously a Professor of Physics & Electrical Engineering at Stanford and Bristol Universities, as well as the Founding Director of the Centre for Quantum Photonics and Quantum Engineering and Technology Labs.Ìý

Dr Sandersan Onie - Social Impact and ServiceÌý

"My goal now is to make sure that every person in the world who's in that really dark place gets an outstretched hand and gets a hug, asking if they're okay."Ìý

Sandersan is a globally recognised mental health and suicide prevention leader whose research, advocacy, and policy work are shaping international approaches to mental health equity and saving lives around the world.

He is the inaugural Lynch Family Foundation Research Fellow in Global Health Equity at Harvard Medical School and a consultant for WHO Headquarters in Geneva.

Formerly at the Black Dog Institute, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney, Dr. Onie advises national strategies in over 70 countries and for global organizations. His work includes leading the first unified religious declaration on mental health at the G20 (Indonesia, 2022), supervising Africa’s first continent-wide suicide prevention analysis, and working with policymakers for social media and AI regulation. In Indonesia, he founded Wellspring Center Indonesia, the country’s leading independent mental health centre.

He currently serves as Vice President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and has been featured on Forbes, TED, and SXSW. Ìý

Daniel Joinbee - Young Alumni AwardÌý

"The first person to walk on Mars is a student in school right now. And why shouldn't the people on that mission be Aboriginal people?"ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Daniel is a First Nations aerospace entrepreneur whose blend of military precision, strategic diplomacy, and innovation is advancing Australia’s presence in space while empowering Indigenous participation in the industry.

Joinbee, Founder and Managing Director of Gunggandji Aerospace, is a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience in various roles in the Australian Military, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Defence industry. Backed by an Executive MBA at Melbourne Business School, a BSc from ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ@ADFA, and several diplomas, Daniel has led complex and dynamic international projects and sensitive stakeholder engagements with Aboriginal communities and remote and regional Australia.

A former Air Traffic Controller and Combat Search and Rescue Officer, he's received accolades, including the Australia Day Medallion and Indigenous Space Leader of the Year in 2023. Daniel's unique blend of military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his dedication to the First Nations Australians, underscores his role as a visionary leader in the aerospace industry.

Professor Ian Hickie AOÌý- Chancellor's Award for Exceptional Alumni Achievement

"I've been part of a transformation [in mental health] ...of a complete public shift from secrecy, from hiding, from stigma, from shame to openness."Ìý

Ian is a leading psychiatrist and mental health reformer whose pioneering work in early intervention, digital innovation, and personalised care has transformed the way Australia supports people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Professor Hickie is Co-Director of Health and Policy, Professor of Psychiatry, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Scientific Advisor for Innowell Pty Ltd.  He has led major public health and health services developments in Australia, particularly focusing on early intervention for young people with depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviours and complex mood disorders.

He is active in the development through codesign, implementation and continuous evaluation of new health information and personal monitoring technologies to drive highly personalised and measurement-based care.

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The nomination process

Selection criteria

The ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Alumni Awards honour alumni who exemplify the University's "Progress for All" strategy, which underscores our commitment to transformative education, innovative research, and meaningful engagement with the world. The awards are designed to honour alumni from around the globe and all walks of life, and recognise individuals driving inclusive growth, social progress, and global solutions.Ìý

Categories

Art and Culture

Recognising alumni who have made positive contributions to society and the arts through design, creative and cultural disciplines.Ìý

  • Made outstanding contributions to the arts and/or humanities.
  • Has enriched their community's cultural offering and reputation, whether through the fine arts, entertainment, artisanship, or other related disciplines.

Community ServiceÌý

Recognising alumni who have made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life within their communities, reflecting ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs commitment to societal impact and community empowerment, including but not limited to industry, government, Defence, public service, sport / sport administration, teaching and philanthropy.Ìý

  • Shows a strong commitment to engaging and empowering the community to drive positive change, fostering inclusive and sustainable community practicesÌý
  • Has actively participated in grassroots initiatives and made a tangible impact to the lives of community membersÌý

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Recognising visionary alumni who are forward-thinking leaders in their industry, profession, or area of expertise, driving innovation to address global challenges.

  • Demonstrates the ability to recognise, and act upon, opportunities and works to promote and facilitate innovation in industry
  • Demonstrates the importance of entrepreneurship to effect positive change

Professional Achievement

Recognising outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their chosen field or profession, including but not limited to industry, government, Defence and sport.

  • Has achieved sustained success over their career that is noteworthy and exceptionalÌýÌý
  • Has contributed significantly to the growth, reach or impact of their industry or profession in Australia and/or globallyÌý

Research and Education Excellence

Recognising the work of alumni whose research and educational practice has produced innovative new solutions, significantly advanced knowledge and practice in their field and is a leader as recognised by their peers.ÌýÌý

  • Demonstrates excellence in research, driving significant societal impact and student engagementÌý
  • Demonstrates excellence in education, making lasting contributions that inspire positive change and future generationsÌý

Social Impact

Recognising alumni who are making a positive contribution to the world through their organisation, volunteering or other service for long-term global impact.Ìý

  • Made a significant positive impact to the social, economic, human, political and/or environmental challenges facing communitiesÌý
  • Dedicated their time to advocate on social issues and generate positive social changeÌý

Young AlumniÌý

Recognising outstanding alumni aged 35 or younger who have achieved significant success or impact in a short career span.Ìý

  • The nominee’s work and/or contribution in their community is an inspiration to the next generation of graduates and the community at largeÌýÌý
  • Demonstrates leadership qualities in a variety of contexts that could include volunteering, community or professional work which is extraordinary for their ageÌý

Eligibility

  • Any ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç graduate is eligible to be nominated.
  • A ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç graduate may not nominate themselves.
  • Current ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç staff (even if alumni) are not eligible for nomination.Ìý
  • Young Alumni nominees must be aged 35 years or younger at the date of annoucement (October).

Nomination guidelines

  • Nominations for Alumni Awards may be submitted by anyone including alumni, staff, students and members of the wider community.
  • Nominations can be supported by a second person if deemed relevant.Ìý
  • The nominator and seconder are invited to provide supporting evidence.Ìý

Judging process

  • Members of the Alumni Awards Committee review all nominations, then meet together to assess as a group and agree on the winners.Ìý
  • The Committee is made up of ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç graduates from multiple faculties, representing a diverse range of ages, professional experience, and cultural backgrounds.Ìý
  • The Committee has a focus on inclusivity, diversity and fair representation of our alumni cohort when considering nominationsÌý
  • The number of awards may vary from year to year and the Alumni Awards Committee reserves the right to make no award in a particular year.Ìý
  • The decision of the Alumni Awards Committee will be final and conclusive, no correspondence regarding decisions will be entered into.Ìý

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç disclaimer

All information provided in the nomination forms will be verified by the University prior to the presentation of candidates to the Alumni Awards Committee.Ìý

Can I nominate someone for more than one Alumni Award category?

No. Nominations will only be accepted for a graduate in one category in the same year. However, the Alumni Awards Committee may move a nominee from one category to another if appropriate.

Can I nominate myself for an Alumni Award?

No, unfortunately, the nomination cannot come from the nominee.Ìý

Can I nominate someone who has previously been nominated?

Yes, you may nominate someone who has been previously nominated. Previous winners however are not eligible.

Can I nominate a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç staff member?

No, unfortunately, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç staff can not be nominated and are not eligible.

What should the Statement of Support include?

The Statement of Support should clearly state why the nominee should be considered for the selected Alumni Award category and should include evidence. You may wish to include examples of their work.

When will winners be announced to the public?

Winners will be announced in late 2025.

Who chooses the winners?

The Alumni Awards Committee, comprising representatives from the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç alumni community, will review all nominations and choose the winners.