Celebrating our talented community at the 2025 Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Awards

The Australian National University (ANU) has recognised the depth and diversity of talent across our community at the 2025 Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Awards.

The awardees are individuals and teams who make a meaningful difference through remarkable achievements, collaborative efforts, and the steady, values-driven work that often happens behind the scenes.

Their contributions reflect the inclusivity, integrity and dedication that define the ANU community.

“These awards showcase the incredible talent across our University in a wide range of fields,” Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and long-service recipients. I’m inspired and proud of their work, which strengthens ANU and enriches our community.”

Professor Naomi McClure-Griffiths received the University’s most prestigious accolade, the Peter Baume Award, which recognises “eminent achievement and merit of the highest order”.

Professor McClure-Griffiths is an astrophysicist, Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellow and the Chief Scientist of the SKA Observatory. Her multi-prize-winning research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.

The Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to the University jointly went to Professor Kylie Catchpole and Distinguished Professor Yun Liu.

Professor Catchpole is a global expert in solar energy.  Her pioneering work demonstrating new approaches to increase the efficiency of solar cells and solar hydrogen technology has shaped the field. 

Distinguished Professor Liu is an internationally recognised materials chemist and engineer, and ARC Georgina Sweet Laureate Fellow. Her influential work on functional materials has revolutionised the design of materials for applications such as the Australian defence industry.

These awards also shine a light on the everyday leadership, quiet excellence and genuine care that help our University thrive, especially during times of change.

Mick Kelly received the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Campus Community, which recognises outstanding contributions to the life of the campus and which benefit the institution as a whole.

The Andrew Hopkins Award for Excellence in Health and Safety went to the Research School of Chemistry Solvent Recycling Team, comprising Rebecca Majchrzak, Li Feng Lim, and Santhanalaxmi Kumaresan.

Other Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor award recipients include: 

• Pixel Whisperer Assistive Technology Tool Team and Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) IDEA Committee – Clare Burton Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Conclusion 
• Dr Samira Nazar – Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Educational Excellence             
• 2.3m Telescope Automation Team and Inclusive and Respectful Communities (IARC) and Residential Experience Division (RED) –Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service, Innovation & Transformation              
• Georgina Nash – Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Reconciliation
• Dr Fernanda Alves – Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence

A number of staff were also recognised for a remarkable 25 years of service to the University. 

They are: 

• Professor Helmut Jerjen
• Dr Sara Beavis
• Professor Sigi Goode
• Professor Adrian Sheppard
• Mr Ross Tranter
• Associate Professor Stephen Tims
• Mr Daryl Webb
• Ms Stephanie McCaffery
• Ms Jessica Welch
• Mr Goran Radovanovic
• Ms Helen Wong
• Ms Eva Lerable
• Mrs Miyuki Matthews
• Ms Etsuko Mason
• Professor Stefan Broer
• Mrs Leone Nurbasari
• Mrs Julie Scott
• Ms Karen Sanecki-Jones 
• Dr Genmiao Wang

The Awards also recognise three staff members who have reached a milestone of 40 years of service to ANU.

They are:

• Mrs Karen Ciuffetelli
• Professor Lilia Ferrario
• Mr Gregory Cover