Congratulations to all staff members who were nominated for a UQ Award for Excellence. HASS colleagues shined bright again this year, with a number of wins and commendations!
The Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our community over the past year. Each year, the Awards Selection Committee is inspired by the remarkable contributions, innovative initiatives, and exemplary leadership demonstrated across the University.
This year, 91 eligible nominations were received across 7 categories, recognising a total of 388 staff members — both individuals and teams. Congratulations to all winners and nominees! A big shout-out to our HASS stars below:
Community winner
School of Music Festival of Outback Opera
The UQ School of Music Festival of Outback Opera Team has delivered an exceptional cultural initiative in partnership with Opera Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. This world-class event, delivered by Opera Queensland, brings 20 UQ students and 2 staff annually to Longreach and Winton, where they perform alongside industry superstars including Sumi Jo and Kate Miller-Heidke. The project provides UQ students authentic industry experience while delivering significant cultural and economic impact to regional Queensland. With over 1,479 unique visitors, generating $1.1M economic impact, this initiative exemplifies excellence in community engagement while advancing student learning through professional collaboration.
- Dr Shaun Brown
- Doretta Balkizas
- Patrick Murphy
- Sarah Crane
- Lauren Klapper
Reconciliation winner
Emily McConochie, Senior Research Project Officer
School of Social Science
The School of Social Science nominates our Wakka Wakka colleague Emily McConochie for advancing reconciliation in the School of Social Science through Indigenising curriculum and cultural change. Emily's collaborative approach to embedding Indigenous knowledges and perspectives across diverse disciplines demonstrates exceptional skill and transformational impact. Her immersive course redesigns introduce Indigenous methodologies like Yarning and Dadirri, reaching thousands of students university wide. Beyond curriculum, Emily drives organisational change in the School by forging community partnerships, developing cultural protocols, and creating inclusive spaces. This nomination expresses our deep appreciation for what Emily knows, what she does and who she is.
Innovation commended
Dr Angie Knaggs, Senior Educational Designer
School of Languages and Cultures
In response to declining enrolments in languages across the education sector, Dr Angie Knaggs has driven the implementation of a wide-ranging program of work in the School of Languages and Cultures to embed employability across the school’s offerings. More than this, she has proactively and innovatively expanded the scope of this work, partnering with the Head of School and external stakeholders to change the narrative about languages in Australia. The outcomes she has driven are astounding, not least of which the Languages Experience Day she organised that brought 500 year 8 to10 language students from under-represented parts of Queensland to UQ.
Diversity and Inclusion winner
UQ DIAN
The University of Queensland’s Disability Inclusion Advocacy Network (DIAN) is a staff-led initiative advancing equity, accessibility, and community for people with disability. Since its 2024 expansion, DIAN has grown to 187 members and launched the specialised Neurodivergent Staff Network. It delivers training, mentoring, peer support, and advocacy across UQ, centring lived experience and promoting systemic change. DIAN has secured over $30,000 for students with disabilities to participate, and increased visibility through the Hidden Sunflower initiative. DIAN strengthens UQ’s inclusive culture and global reputation as a disability inclusion leader.
- Associate Professor Gerhard Hoffstaedter
- Brooke Szucs
- Natasha Bromilow
- Vikesh Anand
Ally Award winner
Dr Kieren Lilly, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Institute for Social Science Research
Dr Kieren Lilly has made outstanding contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusion at UQ in just 12 months. A proud queer trans person, Kieren founded the Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Network, creating a supportive, trans-led space for staff and students to connect and raise awareness. He brought Ally Training to the Long Pocket campus, enabling broader access for staff. Through mentoring, research, and advocacy, Kieren uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices, especially trans and gender-diverse individuals, across academic and community spaces. His work spans inclusive research, student support, and fostering belonging at Institute for Social Science Research and beyond. Kieren’s leadership, visibility, and dedication make him a beacon of inclusion.
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence winner
School of Music Festival of Outback Opera
The UQ School of Music Festival of Outback Opera Team has delivered an exceptional cultural initiative in partnership with Opera Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. This world-class event, delivered by Opera Queensland, brings 20 UQ students and 2 staff annually to Longreach and Winton, where they perform alongside industry superstars including Sumi Jo and Kate Miller-Heidke. The project provides UQ students authentic industry experience while delivering significant cultural and economic impact to regional Queensland. With over 1,479 unique visitors, generating $1.1M economic impact, this initiative exemplifies excellence in community engagement while advancing student learning through professional collaboration.
- Dr Shaun Brown
- Doretta Balkizas
- Patrick Murphy
- Sarah Crane
- Lauren Klapper
