Achievements and awards
Celebrating our award-winning community.
Swinburne University of Technology community members are recognised for excellence in their fields, reflecting the depth and breadth of knowledge, experience and service.
Our international reputation as a leader in research and innovation continues to go from strength to strength, further elevating the cutting-edge technologies, partnerships and expertise for social impact and the benefit of our community.
We congratulate our staff and students on their success, and we are proud to provide an environment in which excellence can thrive.
December 2025
Swinburne Edge secures Platinum recognition at LearnX Awards
Swinburne Edge secures Platinum recognition at LearnX Awards.
Swinburne University of Technology has been recognised for learning and development initiatives across multiple award categories at the LearnX Awards.
“It's an honour to secure Platinum award recognition in six categories at the LearnX Awards. It's a testament to the transformative workforce design, collaboration, engagement and training programs that Swinburne Edge delivers, creating impactful learning outcomes with our clients and partners,” said Louise Robinson, Executive Director, Swinburne Edge.
The LearnX Awards recognise excellence in learning, talent development and educational innovation across the corporate, education, public service and not-for-profit sectors. Organisations that receive scores of 91 to 100 are awarded a Platinum recognition.
Certification Training (Industry Specific) category
Swinburne Edge and partner Master Plumbers have won the LearnX Platinum award for Certification Training – Industry Specific with their project 'Uplifting Project Management Capability in Victoria’s Plumbing Industry.'
In response to the rapidly evolving and complex environment of the Victorian plumbing industry, Master Plumbers partnered with Swinburne Edge to deliver the BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice.
By equipping its workforce with project management capabilities and formally certifying their skills, Master Plumbers and Swinburne Edge have worked together to increase project readiness and build long-term capability within the plumbing sector.
Learning Impact category
Swinburne Edge and Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) have won the LearnX Platinum award for Learning Impact with their project 'Empowering Indigenous Educators through the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.'
In partnership with MTC, Swinburne Edge developed a nationally accredited TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment for a dedicated cohort of Indigenous learners. The course is designed to build workforce capability by enabling Indigenous participants to become qualified trainers and assessors, strengthening culturally responsive training delivery across industries.
Indigenous professionals are supported to elevate their voice and leadership in training delivery, increasing representation and creating a ripple effect of empowerment across communities.
Learning and Development – Capability Uplift Project category
Swinburne Edge and partner AGL have won the LearnX Platinum award for Learning and Development (Capability Uplift Project) with their project 'From Insight to Impact: Data Literacy and Data-Informed Decision Making for P&C.'
The program was co-designed, developed and delivered to uplift the capability of AGL’s People and Culture (P&C) team by building both technical and human-centred skills.
The initiative embedded data-informed decision making into everyday practice, and team members were equipped with the skills to lead strategic, evidence-based conversations and support measurable business outcomes.
Learning and Development (Industry Specific) category
Swinburne Edge and the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) Swinburne has won the LearnX Platinum award for Learning and Development (Industry Specific) with their project 'WISE-Ability Model Learning Program: Unlocking Ability, Opening Pathways to Employment.'
CSI Swinburne partnered with multiple disability enterprises to develop the Work Integration Social Enterprise Ability (WISE-Ability) Model, combining research expertise with Swinburne Edge’s learning design excellence.
This project equips organisations with the skills, tools and resources to embed the research-driven WISE-Ability Model and ultimately create more inclusive opportunities for people with disability.
Custom/Bespoke Learning category and eLearning Project category
Swinburne Edge has won the LearnX Platinum award for both Custom/Bespoke Learning and eLearning Project for their project 'Courageous Innovation.'
This course was created with Swinburne’s Innovation and Enterprise business unit, to support the launch of Swinburne’s new academic workload policy, which enables academics to allocate 10 per cent of their time towards innovation and engagement activities.
Recognising that academic staff must balance teaching, research and administrative commitments, the course was designed as a self-paced program, allowing staff to engage at a time and pace that suits their workload .
“These awards reflect the breadth and depth of capability that Swinburne Edge consistently brings to its clients and partners — from industry-leading certification programs to complex capability-uplift initiatives, industry-specific health and wellbeing learning solutions, customised learning design and high-impact eLearning projects,” says Louise Robinson.
“This recognition highlights Swinburne Edge’s unrivalled expertise, commitment to collaboration, innovative approach and proven ability to deliver meaningful outcomes, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for excellence in learning solutions.”
November 2025
Professor Ramon Lobato elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
Professor Ramon Lobato has been elected a 2025 Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. Election to the Academy is the highest honour in the humanities in Australia, recognising scholars whose work has shaped how we understand ourselves, our histories and cultures, and our place in the world.
“It’s an honour to be elected to the Academy,” says Professor Ramon Lobato.
“The research I do with my team here at Swinburne aims to understand how media are changing in the platform age. I’m grateful to the Academy for supporting this kind of cultural research on digital technology.”
Professor Lobato is a distinguished media studies scholar whose work examines the influence and disruption of online videos on audiences, industries and policy. He has been awarded three ARC Fellowships, among them a prestigious Future Fellowship and he is internationally recognised for his contributions to understanding the transformation of video in the streaming age. His books include Shadow Economies of Cinema, The Informal Media Economy, Netflix Nations, and Streaming Video, with a forthcoming title on the evolution of television hardware.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities, established in 1969, continues to recognise Australia’s most distinguished humanities scholars and promote the essential role of the humanities in a rapidly changing world.
Swinburne Professor Akbar Rhamdhani honored with prestigious international award
Professor Muhammad Akbar Rhamdhani of the School of Engineering has been awarded the 2027 Extraction and Processing Division (EPD) Distinguished Lecturer Award by The Mineral, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), USA.
The prestigious award recognises exceptional scientific leadership in the field of nonferrous extraction and processing metallurgy. Dr Rhamdhani’s research focuses on making metal production cleaner, smarter and more sustainable, working with industry partners across the world to share his research and knowledge. As part of the award, Dr Rhamdhani will deliver a lecture at the TMS Annual Meeting.
“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award, as it’s incredibly inspiring to be recognised alongside the past recipients,” said Dr Rhamdhani. “I am excited to deliver the lecture and hope it encourages others, especially young and emerging researchers. I dedicate this award to my students, research team, mentors, teachers, and family; their unwavering support has been the foundation of my journey.”
Dr Rhamdhani is a Professor in Sustainable Metallurgy and Metals Recycling at Swinburne and leads several key initiatives at the university, including the Swinburne Net Zero Carbon Materials and Processes and the Swinburne Energy Transition Metals Research Flagship. He is currently leading a global consortium of Si-ZERO Research Program (Silicon Zero Emission Recycling, Refining and Production) to develop a clean process for solar panel recycling and silicon production.
This award not only celebrates Professor Rhamdhani’s achievements but also reflects Swinburne’s commitment to global leadership in engineering and sustainability.
October 2025
Sharyn Frantz wins “Trending on VYT” and 2nd Place at Visualise Your Thesis International Competition
Sharyn Frantz received the Trending on VYT Award and secured second place overall at the 2025 Visualise Your Thesis International competition.
The Trending on VYT Award in the 2025 Visualise Your Thesis International competition, recognised her video as the most viewed during the contest period. Unlike traditional awards, this accolade is based purely on audience engagement, with no judging panels or scoring criteria involved. Sharyn’s video captured widespread attention and sparked meaningful conversations, earning her a 12-month membership to the Research Impact Academy.
“My research aims to investigate the psychological impact of a lipoedema diagnosis in Australian women. Preliminary findings have shown there is an average 27-year delay to diagnosis for those living with lipoedema, which is a little-known, under-diagnosed, incurable chronic disease,” says Sharyn.
“Lipoedema is characterised by painful, disproportionate, and symmetrical build-up of adipose tissue, and is found almost exclusively in women.”
Sharyn also secured second prize in the overall global competition. Visualise Your Thesis International is a worldwide program that challenges graduate researchers to present their research through a 60-second audio-visual explainer.
“Taking part in the VYT competition was the perfect opportunity to bring to life my research investigating the psychological impact of a lipoedema diagnosis,” she says.
“With no animation experience and drawing on my background of sculpting in both clay and cake (I was a pastry chef for 10 years in a previous life!), I picked up my paintbrush, creating, frame by frame, an emotional and personal representation of the work I am undertaking during my PhD.”
Watch the animation here.
Dr Sara Webb Wins AmCham Ambassador’s Award
Dr Sara Webb has received the AmCham Australia Ambassador’s Award at the AmCham Alliance Awards Gala 2025. The Alliance Awards, presented by the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, recognise emerging leaders who are driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and the United States.
“I am so beyond grateful to AmCham Alliance for receiving the Ambassador’s Award,” says Dr Sara Webb.
“I’m still stunned and can’t thank the US Consulate in Melbourne enough for the lovely nomination which highlighted the last eight years of work spanning from astrophysics, microgravity science and AI research with many American partners and collaborators.
“I was lucky enough to spend chunks of my Australian PhD in the US, using telescopes and visiting both Caltech and UC Santa Cruz for extended periods of time, working on the fastest explosions in the universe and being a member of many cross-Pacific scientific collaborations.
“More recently, it’s been a pleasure to lead Swinburne’s microgravity platform, working with the brilliant Rhodium Scientific. Science moves faster and achieves better results when we work together, and my US and Australian collaborations have truly taught me that.”
As one of Australia's youngest tenured astrophysicists, Dr Sara Webb has published over 25 peer-reviewed papers in top journals like Nature Astronomy.
At Swinburne, Dr Webb leads Australia’s longest-running International Space Station (ISS) experimentation program, giving students the unique opportunity to design real space payloads that are launched and tested onboard the ISS. Her approach to research and education has inspired a new generation of scientists, reinforcing Swinburne as a hub for cutting-edge astrophysics and innovative learning.
"Dr Sara Webb is an outstanding example of the next generation of scientific leaders. Her ability to unite deep scientific curiosity, bold ideas and global collaboration combined with her remarkable talent for engaging diverse audiences makes her a trailblazer in her field. We’re incredibly proud of her achievements and the global impact of her work,” says Professor Karen Hapgood, Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research.
Dr Ben McAllister named a Victorian 2025 Young Tall Poppy
Dr Ben McAllister has been recognised as a 2025 Victorian Young Tall Poppy.
Dr Ben McAllister has been named a Victorian 2025 Young Tall Poppy. The Tall Poppy Awards celebrate Australia’s scientific excellence and inspire younger Australians to follow in the footsteps of our outstanding achievers.
“It’s an honour to receive a Tall Poppy Award – it’s so great that there is an award that equally values and recognises the importance of research and public engagement, and it was awesome to meet so many other researchers with similar passion for both science and communication,” says Dr McAllister.
Dr McAllister is a physicist specialising in the intersection of fundamental physics and quantum technology, currently serving as a 2025 ARC DECRA Fellow. He leads the Swinburne Axion Group, contributes to major dark matter research collaborations, and is actively involved in public engagement and science communication within multiple ARC Centres of Excellence.
“Ben McAllister’s passion for advancing cutting-edge research while engaging the community exemplifies the spirit of innovation and outreach that this award celebrates,” says Professor Virginia Kilborn, Swinburne Chief Scientist.
The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, established in 1998 by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, continue to strengthen and connect the science community across Australia.
Rhys Shobbrook Highly Commended as Champion of Change in Cybersecurity
Swinburne University of Technology’s Associate Dean Education, Rhys Shobbrook, has been highly commended in the Champion of Change category at the 2025 Australian Women in Security Awards.
A respected member of the School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies, Rhys was nominated by a Swinburne alum in recognition of his outstanding leadership and advocacy in cybersecurity. The Champion of Change award honours male and non-binary individuals who are actively working to dismantle gender-based discrimination and bias in the workplace.
Rhys stood out for his personal mentoring, transformative programs, and tireless commitment to inclusive recruitment and career progression. His efforts continue to shape a more equitable and diverse future in cybersecurity.
Alum Hannah Gough wins national James Dyson Award
Swinburne Bachelor of Product Design Engineering alum Hannah Gough has been named a national winner of the 2025 James Dyson Award, an internationally renowned design competition that celebrates innovative, problem-solving ideas from student designers. Hannah received the award for her project SyriSter, a UV‑C sterilisation device for syringes, designed for use in crisis and disaster zones.
Developed during her ENG40001/2 Final Year Research Project units, SyriSter uses UV-C light to kill harmful pathogens like HIV in just 60 seconds, without the need for water, chemicals or mains power. The device provides a safe, affordable solution for low-resource settings where syringe reuse is often unavoidable. This project reflects the practical, impact-driven focus of Swinburne’s Industrial Design and Product Design Engineering programs.
“I am honoured to have been selected as the Australian national winner for the James Dyson award. This project started out with the intent to help as many people as possible, whether it be patients or the medics themselves,” she says.
“My project solution may not be the best case scenario, but it attempts to make the worst case workable. The Product Design Engineering program at Swinburne taught me a lot about looking at a problem from different perspectives and finding creative and innovative ways to combat them.
“The course helped me develop a lot of skills that helped take Syrister from an idea to a polished and tested product, along with all of the help and support from my tutors and peers through the year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this award has given me and look forward to the future of this project”, she says.
Next, Hannah plans to explore the commercial potential of SyriSter, with further testing of the UV-C technology and device features. If successful, she hopes to expand its application to sterilising other medical supplies.
The runner-up for the Australian James Dyson Award was Nathan Wallis, a fellow Swinburne Product Design Engineering student, who also completed his project as part of the final year program. His entry, 'Hydromask' is a user-centred device that improves emergency eye irrigation by delivering faster, cleaner and more comfortable treatment than existing systems.
Celebrating 10 Years of Gravitational Waves
A cake-cutting to celebrate 10 years of gravitational wave discovery.
To celebrate 10 years since the first detection of gravitational waves, Swinburne hosted a special event in collaboration with Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) bringing together more than 80 researchers, students and leaders in the field. This breakthrough, revealed in 2016 from observations made on September 14, 2015, validated one of Einstein’s predictions and opened a new window into the universe.
“When the first detection happened in 2015, it completely transformed the landscape. Suddenly gravitational wave astronomy was real, and Australia needed a Centre of Excellence dedicated to it. That’s how OzGrav was born in 2017,” says Professor Matthew Bailes, Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics and Director, OzGrav.
The celebration began with opening remarks from Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester, followed by an address from Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research Professor Karen Hapgood. Over the two-day celebration, the community reflected on a decade of groundbreaking discoveries, such as neutron star mergers and advances in quantum-enhanced detectors, alongside Australia’s emergence as a global leader through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav).
Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes hosted a workshop on how OzGrav began, key projects and the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers and scientists. Other workshops explored technical innovations and emerging projects, and the bold vision for a potential Australian gravitational-wave observatory.
Swinburne plays a leading role in OzGrav, hosting its headquarters and contributing key researchers and leadership, including Director Professor Matthew Bailes. Swinburne’s world-class supercomputing facilities, including OzSTAR and Ngarrgu Tindebeek, power a lot of OzGrav’s gravitational wave data processing and discovery. Swinburne’s ongoing contributions have been instrumental in delivering groundbreaking advancements, making it the perfect host for the celebration.
September 2025
Celebrating Excellence in Engineering
Executive Dean of the School of Engineering Professor Emad Gad, and Ken McInnes have received top honours at the 2025 Engineers Australia Awards.
Professor Emad Gad received the 2025 John Connell Gold Medal from Engineers Australia – Structural College for his outstanding national and international contributions to structural engineering. The medal honours John Connell’s pioneering legacy in the field.
As Swinburne's Dean of Engineering, Professor Gad bridges academia and industry, advancing applied research that benefits graduates, the profession, and the community. He has helped shape key standards and codes, co-founded the Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council, and serves as a Director of the Australian Steel Institute. A Fellow of Engineers Australia, he is recognised for his leadership and industry-focused research.
“This medal carries the name of a remarkable contributor to our profession and has been won before by exceptional engineers. It is a privilege to be part of this legacy. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge my mentors, successive line managers, fellow researchers, students, numerous Swinburne staff and industry partners who contributed so much to the outcomes we achieved and made profound impact on my career,” says Professor Gad.
Ken McInnes received the 2025 John Monash Medal from Engineers Australia – Engineering Heritage Australia for his outstanding contributions to engineering heritage. The medal honours Sir John Monash, a renowned civil engineer and military leader.
With a career spanning over five decades, Ken has worked across consulting, government, private practice and academia at Swinburne. Since 1970, he has actively contributed to engineering heritage through various professional and community organisations. A committed conservationist, he has also campaigned to protect natural areas such as Victoria’s Alpine region and the Mullum Mullum Valley.
“I feel very honoured and humbled to receive this medal. The achievements of the past five decades wouldn’t have been possible without the support of colleagues, friends and especially my family, who tolerated many stops at old bridges, historic sites, and heritage markers.
“My interest in engineering history began with my father’s 1930s book The Wonders of World Engineering and continues through my honorary research at Swinburne, contributing to the Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation.
“There is still much to do: biographies to write, journals to digitise, archives to explore, and engineering stories to tell. I gratefully acknowledge Swinburne’s ongoing support,” he says.
These awards reflect the innovation, leadership and deep commitment to engineering excellence that define Swinburne’s academic and professional community.
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi has won the Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award at the 2025 Australasian Simulation Congress in Adelaide, in recognition of his outstanding professional and research contributions to the field of modelling and simulation across Australia and New Zealand.
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi is Swinburne University of Technology’s inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Chief of Defence Innovation. An internationally renowned expert in defence technologies, Professor Nahavandi brings extensive expertise in robotics and haptics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced modelling and simulation.
The Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award honours the late Ray Page, a founding member of Simulation Australasia. He was instrumental in establishing international standards for flight simulators and played a major role in introducing simulation centers to Australia’s healthcare sector.
Tania Tambiah wins award for Distinguished Service to Research Management
Tania Tambiah wins award for Distinguished Service to Research Management
Tania Tambiah, Director of Research Services at Swinburne University of Technology, was awarded the Janet Dibb-Leigh Award for Distinguished Service to Research Management during the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) 2025 annual conference. This prestigious award is ARMS' highest honour, presented annually to research management leaders who have demonstrated outstanding contributions, mentorship and advocacy within the profession globally. The accolade formally acknowledges Tania’s over 25 years of dedicated service and leadership in advancing the field of research management.
Swinburne research collaboration wins 2025 Eureka Prize
Image by Mel Koutchavlis at Australian Museum.
Swinburne celebrates the achievement of Dr Kamal Kant Gupta, Defence Science and Technology Group and Dr Jafar Shojaii, Macquarie University, who have been awarded the 2025 Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
Defence Science and Technology Group has collaborated with Swinburne, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University, to develop a radiation-protected semiconductor chip using innovative techniques and architectures.
Led by Dr Kant Gupta and Dr Shojaii, these novel designs make integrated circuits more resistant to electromagnetic and particle radiation effects, protecting defence, satellite and civilian electronic systems from interference in the harshest environments on land, sea and in space.
This recognition highlights the strength of collaboration between research, industry and defence to safeguard Australia’s critical communication and infrastructure.
Professor David Moss elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Professor David Moss elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Professor David Moss has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). He is one of only a handful of international researchers to receive the honour. The RSC is Canada’s national academy, and the award is its highest recognition for excellence in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. Fellowship is awarded through a rigorous peer-review process and is reserved for those whose work has had a lasting impact in their field.
“I’m profoundly honoured to receive this recognition from Canada’s top academic society,” says Professor Moss.
“It means a lot to me, being born and spending my life and early career there until immigrating to Australia in the 1990s.”
Professor Moss has made groundbreaking advances in photonic chips that work with CMOS technology for nonlinear optics. He reported the first integrated optical frequency microcombs and has pioneered their use in microwave photonics, optical neural networks, communications and quantum optics. His work has set world records for the fastest optical neural networks and fiber optic data transmission. Professor Moss’s innovations have also helped advance fiber optic communication technology used in commercial products.
Professor Moss’s election to the Royal Society of Canada recognises him as part of a distinguished group of scholars whose work has shaped their fields, opening the door to a global network of scholars. This honour reflects his dedication to excellence and his commitment to solving real world problems.
Sara Ballah and Caitlin Grimmet win City of Boroondara Urban Design Award 2025
Swinburne Master of Architecture and Urban Design students recognised at the City of Boroondara Urban Design Awards 2025.
Swinburne University of Technology Master of Architecture and Urban Design students Sara Ballah and Caitlin Grimmet have won the student category at the City of Boroondara Urban Design Awards 2025 for their project Camberwell Central.
Developed in the Metropolitan Rhizome design-research studio, led by Course Director Markus Jung, the project explores the future transformation and densification of Camberwell junction. Sara and Caitlin re-imagined a large commercial block as a vibrant mixed-use precinct, integrating housing, retail, and public spaces. Their design prioritises walkability, connected green spaces, community engagement, and sustainability, while responding to the local character of the area.
Other Swinburne projects were recognised among the top four finalists, including work by Maryam Abdullah Ibrahim with Shivani Gopi (Master of Architecture and Urban Design) and Hans Vu Nguyen Dinh with Minh Tuong An (Master of Architecture). The awards highlight the impact of our master’s students’ work and its relevance to contemporary urban challenges.
October 2025
Sharyn Frantz wins “Trending on VYT” and 2nd Place at Visualise Your Thesis International Competition
Sharyn Frantz received the Trending on VYT Award and secured second place overall at the 2025 Visualise Your Thesis International competition.
The Trending on VYT Award in the 2025 Visualise Your Thesis International competition, recognised her video as the most viewed during the contest period. Unlike traditional awards, this accolade is based purely on audience engagement, with no judging panels or scoring criteria involved. Sharyn’s video captured widespread attention and sparked meaningful conversations, earning her a 12-month membership to the Research Impact Academy.
“My research aims to investigate the psychological impact of a lipoedema diagnosis in Australian women. Preliminary findings have shown there is an average 27-year delay to diagnosis for those living with lipoedema, which is a little-known, under-diagnosed, incurable chronic disease,” says Sharyn.
“Lipoedema is characterised by painful, disproportionate, and symmetrical build-up of adipose tissue, and is found almost exclusively in women.”
Sharyn also secured second prize in the overall global competition. Visualise Your Thesis International is a worldwide program that challenges graduate researchers to present their research through a 60-second audio-visual explainer.
“Taking part in the VYT competition was the perfect opportunity to bring to life my research investigating the psychological impact of a lipoedema diagnosis,” she says.
“With no animation experience and drawing on my background of sculpting in both clay and cake (I was a pastry chef for 10 years in a previous life!), I picked up my paintbrush, creating, frame by frame, an emotional and personal representation of the work I am undertaking during my PhD.”
Watch the animation here.
Dr Sara Webb Wins AmCham Ambassador’s Award
Dr Sara Webb has received the AmCham Australia Ambassador’s Award at the AmCham Alliance Awards Gala 2025. The Alliance Awards, presented by the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, recognise emerging leaders who are driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and the United States.
“I am so beyond grateful to AmCham Alliance for receiving the Ambassador’s Award,” says Dr Sara Webb.
“I’m still stunned and can’t thank the US Consulate in Melbourne enough for the lovely nomination which highlighted the last eight years of work spanning from astrophysics, microgravity science and AI research with many American partners and collaborators.
“I was lucky enough to spend chunks of my Australian PhD in the US, using telescopes and visiting both Caltech and UC Santa Cruz for extended periods of time, working on the fastest explosions in the universe and being a member of many cross-Pacific scientific collaborations.
“More recently, it’s been a pleasure to lead Swinburne’s microgravity platform, working with the brilliant Rhodium Scientific. Science moves faster and achieves better results when we work together, and my US and Australian collaborations have truly taught me that.”
As one of Australia's youngest tenured astrophysicists, Dr Sara Webb has published over 25 peer-reviewed papers in top journals like Nature Astronomy.
At Swinburne, Dr Webb leads Australia’s longest-running International Space Station (ISS) experimentation program, giving students the unique opportunity to design real space payloads that are launched and tested onboard the ISS. Her approach to research and education has inspired a new generation of scientists, reinforcing Swinburne as a hub for cutting-edge astrophysics and innovative learning.
"Dr Sara Webb is an outstanding example of the next generation of scientific leaders. Her ability to unite deep scientific curiosity, bold ideas and global collaboration combined with her remarkable talent for engaging diverse audiences makes her a trailblazer in her field. We’re incredibly proud of her achievements and the global impact of her work,” says Professor Karen Hapgood, Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research.
Dr Ben McAllister named a Victorian 2025 Young Tall Poppy
Dr Ben McAllister has been recognised as a 2025 Victorian Young Tall Poppy.
Dr Ben McAllister has been named a Victorian 2025 Young Tall Poppy. The Tall Poppy Awards celebrate Australia’s scientific excellence and inspire younger Australians to follow in the footsteps of our outstanding achievers.
“It’s an honour to receive a Tall Poppy Award – it’s so great that there is an award that equally values and recognises the importance of research and public engagement, and it was awesome to meet so many other researchers with similar passion for both science and communication,” says Dr McAllister.
Dr McAllister is a physicist specialising in the intersection of fundamental physics and quantum technology, currently serving as a 2025 ARC DECRA Fellow. He leads the Swinburne Axion Group, contributes to major dark matter research collaborations, and is actively involved in public engagement and science communication within multiple ARC Centres of Excellence.
“Ben McAllister’s passion for advancing cutting-edge research while engaging the community exemplifies the spirit of innovation and outreach that this award celebrates,” says Professor Virginia Kilborn, Swinburne Chief Scientist.
The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, established in 1998 by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, continue to strengthen and connect the science community across Australia.
Rhys Shobbrook Highly Commended as Champion of Change in Cybersecurity
Swinburne University of Technology’s Associate Dean Education, Rhys Shobbrook, has been highly commended in the Champion of Change category at the 2025 Australian Women in Security Awards.
A respected member of the School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies, Rhys was nominated by a Swinburne alum in recognition of his outstanding leadership and advocacy in cybersecurity. The Champion of Change award honours male and non-binary individuals who are actively working to dismantle gender-based discrimination and bias in the workplace.
Rhys stood out for his personal mentoring, transformative programs, and tireless commitment to inclusive recruitment and career progression. His efforts continue to shape a more equitable and diverse future in cybersecurity.
Alum Hannah Gough wins national James Dyson Award
Swinburne Bachelor of Product Design Engineering alum Hannah Gough has been named a national winner of the 2025 James Dyson Award, an internationally renowned design competition that celebrates innovative, problem-solving ideas from student designers. Hannah received the award for her project SyriSter, a UV‑C sterilisation device for syringes, designed for use in crisis and disaster zones.
Developed during her ENG40001/2 Final Year Research Project units, SyriSter uses UV-C light to kill harmful pathogens like HIV in just 60 seconds, without the need for water, chemicals or mains power. The device provides a safe, affordable solution for low-resource settings where syringe reuse is often unavoidable. This project reflects the practical, impact-driven focus of Swinburne’s Industrial Design and Product Design Engineering programs.
“I am honoured to have been selected as the Australian national winner for the James Dyson award. This project started out with the intent to help as many people as possible, whether it be patients or the medics themselves,” she says.
“My project solution may not be the best case scenario, but it attempts to make the worst case workable. The Product Design Engineering program at Swinburne taught me a lot about looking at a problem from different perspectives and finding creative and innovative ways to combat them.
“The course helped me develop a lot of skills that helped take Syrister from an idea to a polished and tested product, along with all of the help and support from my tutors and peers through the year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this award has given me and look forward to the future of this project”, she says.
Next, Hannah plans to explore the commercial potential of SyriSter, with further testing of the UV-C technology and device features. If successful, she hopes to expand its application to sterilising other medical supplies.
The runner-up for the Australian James Dyson Award was Nathan Wallis, a fellow Swinburne Product Design Engineering student, who also completed his project as part of the final year program. His entry, 'Hydromask' is a user-centred device that improves emergency eye irrigation by delivering faster, cleaner and more comfortable treatment than existing systems.
Celebrating 10 Years of Gravitational Waves
A cake-cutting to celebrate 10 years of gravitational wave discovery.
To celebrate 10 years since the first detection of gravitational waves, Swinburne hosted a special event in collaboration with Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) bringing together more than 80 researchers, students and leaders in the field. This breakthrough, revealed in 2016 from observations made on September 14, 2015, validated one of Einstein’s predictions and opened a new window into the universe.
“When the first detection happened in 2015, it completely transformed the landscape. Suddenly gravitational wave astronomy was real, and Australia needed a Centre of Excellence dedicated to it. That’s how OzGrav was born in 2017,” says Professor Matthew Bailes, Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics and Director, OzGrav.
The celebration began with opening remarks from Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester, followed by an address from Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research Professor Karen Hapgood. Over the two-day celebration, the community reflected on a decade of groundbreaking discoveries, such as neutron star mergers and advances in quantum-enhanced detectors, alongside Australia’s emergence as a global leader through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav).
Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes hosted a workshop on how OzGrav began, key projects and the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers and scientists. Other workshops explored technical innovations and emerging projects, and the bold vision for a potential Australian gravitational-wave observatory.
Swinburne plays a leading role in OzGrav, hosting its headquarters and contributing key researchers and leadership, including Director Professor Matthew Bailes. Swinburne’s world-class supercomputing facilities, including OzSTAR and Ngarrgu Tindebeek, power a lot of OzGrav’s gravitational wave data processing and discovery. Swinburne’s ongoing contributions have been instrumental in delivering groundbreaking advancements, making it the perfect host for the celebration.
September 2025
Celebrating Excellence in Engineering
Executive Dean of the School of Engineering Professor Emad Gad, and Ken McInnes have received top honours at the 2025 Engineers Australia Awards.
Professor Emad Gad received the 2025 John Connell Gold Medal from Engineers Australia – Structural College for his outstanding national and international contributions to structural engineering. The medal honours John Connell’s pioneering legacy in the field.
As Swinburne's Dean of Engineering, Professor Gad bridges academia and industry, advancing applied research that benefits graduates, the profession, and the community. He has helped shape key standards and codes, co-founded the Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council, and serves as a Director of the Australian Steel Institute. A Fellow of Engineers Australia, he is recognised for his leadership and industry-focused research.
“This medal carries the name of a remarkable contributor to our profession and has been won before by exceptional engineers. It is a privilege to be part of this legacy. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge my mentors, successive line managers, fellow researchers, students, numerous Swinburne staff and industry partners who contributed so much to the outcomes we achieved and made profound impact on my career,” says Professor Gad.
Ken McInnes received the 2025 John Monash Medal from Engineers Australia – Engineering Heritage Australia for his outstanding contributions to engineering heritage. The medal honours Sir John Monash, a renowned civil engineer and military leader.
With a career spanning over five decades, Ken has worked across consulting, government, private practice and academia at Swinburne. Since 1970, he has actively contributed to engineering heritage through various professional and community organisations. A committed conservationist, he has also campaigned to protect natural areas such as Victoria’s Alpine region and the Mullum Mullum Valley.
“I feel very honoured and humbled to receive this medal. The achievements of the past five decades wouldn’t have been possible without the support of colleagues, friends and especially my family, who tolerated many stops at old bridges, historic sites, and heritage markers.
“My interest in engineering history began with my father’s 1930s book The Wonders of World Engineering and continues through my honorary research at Swinburne, contributing to the Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation.
“There is still much to do: biographies to write, journals to digitise, archives to explore, and engineering stories to tell. I gratefully acknowledge Swinburne’s ongoing support,” he says.
These awards reflect the innovation, leadership and deep commitment to engineering excellence that define Swinburne’s academic and professional community.
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi has won the Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award at the 2025 Australasian Simulation Congress in Adelaide, in recognition of his outstanding professional and research contributions to the field of modelling and simulation across Australia and New Zealand.
Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi is Swinburne University of Technology’s inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Chief of Defence Innovation. An internationally renowned expert in defence technologies, Professor Nahavandi brings extensive expertise in robotics and haptics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced modelling and simulation.
The Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award honours the late Ray Page, a founding member of Simulation Australasia. He was instrumental in establishing international standards for flight simulators and played a major role in introducing simulation centers to Australia’s healthcare sector.
Tania Tambiah wins award for Distinguished Service to Research Management
Tania Tambiah wins award for Distinguished Service to Research Management
Tania Tambiah, Director of Research Services at Swinburne University of Technology, was awarded the Janet Dibb-Leigh Award for Distinguished Service to Research Management during the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) 2025 annual conference. This prestigious award is ARMS' highest honour, presented annually to research management leaders who have demonstrated outstanding contributions, mentorship and advocacy within the profession globally. The accolade formally acknowledges Tania’s over 25 years of dedicated service and leadership in advancing the field of research management.
Swinburne research collaboration wins 2025 Eureka Prize
Image by Mel Koutchavlis at Australian Museum.
Swinburne celebrates the achievement of Dr Kamal Kant Gupta, Defence Science and Technology Group and Dr Jafar Shojaii, Macquarie University, who have been awarded the 2025 Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
Defence Science and Technology Group has collaborated with Swinburne, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University, to develop a radiation-protected semiconductor chip using innovative techniques and architectures.
Led by Dr Kant Gupta and Dr Shojaii, these novel designs make integrated circuits more resistant to electromagnetic and particle radiation effects, protecting defence, satellite and civilian electronic systems from interference in the harshest environments on land, sea and in space.
This recognition highlights the strength of collaboration between research, industry and defence to safeguard Australia’s critical communication and infrastructure.
Professor David Moss elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Professor David Moss elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Professor David Moss has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). He is one of only a handful of international researchers to receive the honour. The RSC is Canada’s national academy, and the award is its highest recognition for excellence in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. Fellowship is awarded through a rigorous peer-review process and is reserved for those whose work has had a lasting impact in their field.
“I’m profoundly honoured to receive this recognition from Canada’s top academic society,” says Professor Moss.
“It means a lot to me, being born and spending my life and early career there until immigrating to Australia in the 1990s.”
Professor Moss has made groundbreaking advances in photonic chips that work with CMOS technology for nonlinear optics. He reported the first integrated optical frequency microcombs and has pioneered their use in microwave photonics, optical neural networks, communications and quantum optics. His work has set world records for the fastest optical neural networks and fiber optic data transmission. Professor Moss’s innovations have also helped advance fiber optic communication technology used in commercial products.
Professor Moss’s election to the Royal Society of Canada recognises him as part of a distinguished group of scholars whose work has shaped their fields, opening the door to a global network of scholars. This honour reflects his dedication to excellence and his commitment to solving real world problems.
Sara Ballah and Caitlin Grimmet win City of Boroondara Urban Design Award 2025
Swinburne Master of Architecture and Urban Design students recognised at the City of Boroondara Urban Design Awards 2025.
Swinburne University of Technology Master of Architecture and Urban Design students Sara Ballah and Caitlin Grimmet have won the student category at the City of Boroondara Urban Design Awards 2025 for their project Camberwell Central.
Developed in the Metropolitan Rhizome design-research studio, led by Course Director Markus Jung, the project explores the future transformation and densification of Camberwell junction. Sara and Caitlin re-imagined a large commercial block as a vibrant mixed-use precinct, integrating housing, retail, and public spaces. Their design prioritises walkability, connected green spaces, community engagement, and sustainability, while responding to the local character of the area.
Other Swinburne projects were recognised among the top four finalists, including work by Maryam Abdullah Ibrahim with Shivani Gopi (Master of Architecture and Urban Design) and Hans Vu Nguyen Dinh with Minh Tuong An (Master of Architecture). The awards highlight the impact of our master’s students’ work and its relevance to contemporary urban challenges.
August 2025
Swinburne School of Design and Architecture graduates shine at 2025 GOTYAs
Swinburne’s School of Design and Architecture winners at the GOTYA for Victoria and Tasmania. Photo by Melissa Hobbs.
Graduates from Swinburne’s School of Design and Architecture have made a strong impression at the 2025 Graduates of the Year Awards (GOTYAs) for Victoria and Tasmania, taking home several awards including VIC/TAS Graduate of the Year. The GOTYAs is the Design Institute of Australia’s program to support and celebrate exceptional Australian designers as they embark on their careers.
Interior Architecture graduate Lauren Roberts won the VIC/TAS Graduate of the Year title and the PLACE – Higher Education Award for her project, Eden, a community centre that aims to reduce loneliness by creating a welcoming space that fosters a sense of belonging.
The jury praised her mature and empathetic design approach, noting her work stood out for its strong focus on accessibility, social responsibility and sustainability. The panel highlighted her ability to develop clearly articulated concepts, sophisticated material specification, strong storytelling and innovative sustainable strategies.
The PLACE - Higher Education Award recognises designers who transform physical spaces into meaningful experiences. From retail and residential to hospitality and healthcare, these interior designers shape environments that evoke emotion, enhance function and foster connection.
“What I loved most about the Interior Architecture course was the balance between conceptual thinking and hands-on, practical learning,” said Lauren.
“Exposure to both hands-on skills and industry-standard programs like Revit and Rhino helped me to gain the confidence I needed to step straight into the design industry as a graduate. The opportunity to take part in the work-integrated learning subjects, such as a placement program and industry-simulated projects from Capstone studio, was also a highlight. It really accelerated my learning and helped me to build industry skills and connections before I’d even graduated.”
Industrial Design graduate Gayathri Krishna received the USE – Higher Education Award for her project Moody & Friends. Moody is a low-tech toy that teaches children aged 3-8 about emotions and empathy through interactive storytelling and meaningful parent-child interaction. It includes storybooks and emotion cards that guide children and encourage emotional learning.
The USE – Higher Education Award celebrates designers who blend form and function to create everyday objects that enhance life and reflect culture. From fashion and furniture to medical devices and sustainable materials, these innovators turn raw materials into purposeful, expressive designs.
“Moody & Friends, was designed to address the gap in emotional education for young children,” said Gayathri.
“By building on the foundation of storytelling, a well-loved and intuitive activity for both parents and children, Moody & Friends is designed to be a familiar and engaging tool for teaching children about emotions.”
When reflecting on her experience at Swinburne, Gayathri said, “Industrial Design at Swinburne is a journey where you can start from any background and still learn how to think and create like a designer. My advice to future students is to make the most of all the resources Swinburne offers and to experiment, fail and learn as you go through every project. Design is as exciting as it is meaningful, and the journey of trying new things and having fun is just as important as the final result.”
Swinburne’s safety tech wins at VIC iAwards
4 August 2025
Swinburne designed Smart-LX, a technology that improves safety at level crossings and helps prevent accidents across Australia
Swinburne University of Technology has been recognised for developing Smart-LX, a technology that improves safety at level crossings and helps prevent accidents across Australia. The 2025 VIC iAwards, hosted by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), celebrated Victoria’s top innovators and technology leaders.
“Too many serious incidents continue to occur at passive level crossings, particularly in regional Australia. With Smart-LX, we set out to create an affordable, intelligent warning system that can help prevent these tragedies. Being recognised for this at the iAwards highlights just how critical this challenge is and what can be achieved when innovation is driven by real community need,” says Associate Professor Chris McCarthy, Project Lead.
Smart-LX is an edge AI solution designed to enhance safety at passive level crossings.
A passive level crossing is a railway crossing that uses only signs, without lights, sounds, or barriers, to warn drivers of oncoming trains. Approximately 75% of Australia’s 23,000 level crossings are passive and this new technology will address this safety gap.
By combining artificial intelligence with solar power, Smart-LX delivers real-time alerts without relying on traditional infrastructure. This makes it a cost-effective safety enhancement for remote and underserved locations. Alongside the immediate safety benefits, it also captures driver behaviour, which can help shape future polices.
The project was in partnership with Freight Victoria (Department of Transport and Planning) and was funded by the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, as part of the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program.
The Smart LX project is led by Associate Professor Chris McCarthy, in collaboration with team members Professor Prem Prakash Jayaraman, Professor Hadi Ghaderi, Professor Hussein Dia, Dr Felip Martí, Dr Anas Dawod, Shihan Xu and Shane Joachim.
Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking recognised for outstanding contribution to chemistry
1 August 2025
Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking is a leading figure in the field of Chemistry.
Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking has been recognised by the Royal Australian Chemistry Institute (RACI) for her outstanding contributions to chemical science, particularly in research leadership, innovation and education. As the voice for chemical sciences in Australia, RACI recognises her work as a powerful example of research excellence and support for future scientists.
With over two decades of professional experience in chemistry, Associate Professor Hocking is a leading figure in the field of chemistry and currently holds a Future Fellowship at Swinburne.
Associate Professor Hocking leads a research group focused on energy materials, investigating how they work, how stable they are and how they can be made. The group’s research extends across numerous chemical disciplines, including the development of analytical techniques using X-rays and low-cost sensors, exploration of chemical mechanisms relevant to the origin of life and innovations in coatings technology.
Outside the laboratory, Associate Professor Hocking is a passionate advocate for chemistry education. She has represented Swinburne at the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Heads of Chemistry meetings. She has consistently contributed to teaching and curriculum improvement, graduating 18 Honours students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in science, law and academia.
Associate Professor Hocking aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. She actively works with industry partners, including developing an AI-based tool for asbestos detection with occupational hygienists and creating innovative coatings and surfaces for industrial clients.
Associate Professor Hocking has been an active member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) for over 20 years, and is the current chair of the RACI Victoria Inorganic Chemistry Committee.
July 2025
National recognition for Swinburne astronomers
8 July 2025
Swinburne astronomers Dr Rebecca Davies and Dr Matthew Miles have been recognised by the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA), securing two of the six awards. Dr Rebecca Davies has been awarded the Louise Webster Prize for outstanding research by an early-career scientist, while Dr Matthew Miles has been awarded the Charlene Heisler Prize for Outstanding PhD Thesis.
Louise Webster Prize winner Dr Rebecca Davies
Astronomers have long suspected that powerful winds (driven by exploding stars and feeding black holes) play a crucial role in shaping galaxies by ejecting gas that would otherwise form stars. However, until recently, astronomers could only study a small fraction of the gas in galactic winds, making it very difficult to measure their impact on galaxies. In a study conducted as part of her ARC DECRA Fellowship, Dr Rebecca Davies used cutting-edge data from the James Webb Space Telescope to observe the cold phase of gas outflowing from galaxies in the early Universe. The results were striking. Dr Davies found that in most large galaxies, feeding black holes drive powerful outflows that can quickly remove all the gas from their host galaxies, stopping them from forming stars. Motivated by these findings, Dr Davies was awarded observing time for follow-up studies on several of the world’s largest telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the WM Keck Observatory, and ESO’s Very Large Telescope.
“I am very honoured to receive the Louise Webster Prize. It is a significant recognition of the importance of my research and will greatly support my efforts to establish a world-leading research group here at Swinburne”, says Dr Rebecca Davies.
The Louise Webster Prize recognises the scientific impact of a single research paper by a researcher within 5 years of their PhD. It includes the Louise Webster Medal, a cash award, and ASA membership for the following year.
Charlene Heisler Prize winner Dr Matthew Miles
Dr Matthew Miles completed his PhD in Astrophysics at Swinburne University of Technology. He has since held postdoctoral research positions with OzGrav, Swinburne University, and is currently at Vanderbilt University in the United States, with a research focus on pulsar timing array science.
Dr Miles’ groundbreaking research focuses on the use of pulsar timing arrays as galactic-scale detectors of gravitational waves. His PhD thesis, “Millisecond Pulsar Timing and Gravitational Wave Searches with the MeerKAT Radio Telescope,” advanced the field by demonstrating how these arrays can enhance gravitational wave detection. As part of this work, he identified a rare mode-changing behavior in a millisecond pulsar observed with the MeerKAT telescope and developed a correction method that significantly improved timing precision. He also led the first data releases from the MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array, as well as the first gravitational wave searches with the experiment, paving the way for future discoveries with next-generation observatories such as MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array.
"It's a real honour to even have been nominated for this prize, and I'm overwhelmed to win it. The project, while demanding, was one of the most rewarding journeys I've ever taken. I'm beyond thrilled with how it went, and with how it's continued today," says Dr Miles.
The Charlene Heisler Prize recognises the most outstanding PhD thesis in astronomy or a closely related field, accepted by an Australian university. It includes the Charlene Heisler Medal, a cash award, and ASA membership for the following year.
June 2025
Swinburne’s Health Science students are shining at the AAUT awards
6 June 2025
Three Swinburne School of Health Science teaching staff have been recognised by Universities Australia in the 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).
Jessica Mackelprang, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Chair of the Professional Program, and James Williams, Lecturer and Course Director of Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), were recognised for excellence in the design, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative assessment to cultivate digital literacy and visual communication skills among undergraduate health psychology students.
Faith Kwa, Senior Lecturer and Course Director of Health Science, was acknowledged for empowering health science students to thrive in work-integrated learning through crafting a professional identity and scaffolded industry engagement.
Junhua Xiao, Associate Professor, was recognised for transforming health science student learning with an innovative human anatomy curriculum and multimodal digital learning.
The Australian Awards for University Teaching honours individuals and teams in universities who inspire, innovate and lead in the classroom and beyond. Recipients demonstrate excellence in teaching and are making significant contributions to enhancing student learning.
Swinburne and Eastern Health recognised for excellence in student placement collaboration
4 June 2025
The Eastern Health Lived Experience Workforce team awarded Excellence in Collaboration in Education
Swinburne expanded their partnership with Eastern Health in April 2024 to support the development and delivery of their Lived Experience Workforce Placement Program. Swinburne’s Vocational Education and Teaching (VET) Health Science and Community team contributed deep expertise in student placements and specialist support for Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work students.
This close collaboration has helped the Eastern Health Lived Experience Workforce team win the Excellence in Collaboration in Education award, as part of the Centre for Mental Health Learning’s inaugural Excellence in Mental Health Awards. Eastern Health has been awarded for their inspiring collaboration with Swinburne on their Student Placement Program.
“The Eastern Health Lived Experience Peer Work Placement Program is the first of its kind in a Victorian tertiary area mental health service. The design, delivery and implementation of our program was led by Lived Experience, with support from Eastern’s Learning & Teaching Directorate and our partners at Swinburne, who have deep expertise in clinical placement programs,” said Manager Zoe Lethbridge. “Through a co-designed approach, we were able to create relevant, safe and inclusive learning opportunities that address historical challenges for students with lived experience, while empowering capability development within our Lived Experience Workforce.”
This award for Excellence in Collaboration in Education reflects the success of a true partnership between Eastern Health and Swinburne’s VET Health Science and Community team of Kylie Morris, Teagan Burke, Jose Hernandez, Maranda Lemmings, Effie Frasca and Leah Gribbin. It recognises the positive outcomes being achieved for students and the mental health sector through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusion.
May 2025
Swinburne Business student wins Quitch’s Global Accounting Competition
20 May 2025
Kate Javier wins Global Accounting Competition run by Quitch
Swinburne School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship student, Kate Javier has won Quitch’s Global Accounting Competition.
As a Bachelor of Business student with Swinburne Online, Kate’s incredible skill and knowledge shone through as she came first out of the 1,900 students in the Global Accounting Competition, winning a grand prize of $1,500 USD.
“Winning the Global Accounting Competition was a proud moment and a great reminder that hard work truly pays off,” said Kate. “My advice to fellow students would be to trust the process, step outside your comfort zone and embrace every challenge. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that’s where the best lessons come from.”
Founded in 2015, Quitch is an organisation on a mission to revolutionise learning by turning learning content into gaming to keep students engaged. Sponsored by AICPA-CIMA and CPA Australia, Quitch ran the Global Accounting Competition, allowing students to test their accounting knowledge from 20 March to 17 April 2025.
April 2025
Swinburne achieves AACSB reaccreditation success
10 April 2025
The School of Business, Law and Entreprenurship celebrating the school's reaccreditation by the AACSB
The Swinburne School of Business, Law, and Entrepreneurship has been reaccredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International for another six years. Associate Dean of Education, Associate Professor Julian Vieceli, and Manager of Accreditation and Engagement, Shana Chong, attended AACSB’s International Conference and Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria, to recognise this milestone.
This reaccreditation follows a comprehensive review of the School’s educational practices conducted by a panel of AACSB reviewers last year, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
"This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to overall quality and improvement in business education,” says Interim Dean Professor Nicki Wragg.
Established in 1916, AACSB is the international membership and accreditation body for business schools. With a mission to elevate the quality and impact of business schools globally, only six percent of business schools worldwide have earned AACSB accreditation.
The accreditation assures students that they are receiving a high-quality education that meets rigorous standards. Graduates from AACSB-accredited schools are highly sought after by top employers globally, as the accreditation is a mark of excellence and reliability.
Professor Wragg also highlighted the collective effort of academic and professional staff behind this success. "This reaccreditation is an outstanding recognition of the excellent work done by the School over the past several years in providing outstanding business education that achieves impact, promotes research excellence, and nurtures future career-ready graduates."
March 2025
Swinburne Plumbing student cleans up at World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest
27 March 2025
Oscar Goode with his teacher and fellow competitor at the World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest
Swinburne student Oscar Goode placed first in the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) 2025 World Plumbing Day Apprentice Skills Contest this month. Studying a Certificate III in Plumbing, Oscar represented Swinburne in the annual contest. Oscar will now go through an interview process for the opportunity to represent PICAC and Australia as one of the 32 participants in the annual United Association's International Apprentice Skills contest at the Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Celebrated on March 11, World Plumbing Day is an internationally recognised event to spread awareness and recognition of the essential role plumbers play in protecting public health and advancing water solutions. More than pipes and fittings, plumbing is the pillar of safe communities and empowering economic prosperity.
“It was a great day,” Oscar reflected. “I really enjoyed getting to talk to other people from different areas in the industry. The task we had to do really came down to being very precise with your measurements and having a good understanding of how it’s all going to look before even picking up a tool. Swinburne’s helped me learn to read plans and do neat work, and that’s what helped me win the competition at the end of the day.”
February 2025
Professor Tsong Yueh Chen named an IEEE Fellow for inventing metamorphic testing and adaptive random testing
6 February 2025
Professor Tsong Yueh Chen named an IEEE Fellow for inventing metamorphic testing and adaptive random testing.
Swinburne’s Professor Tsong Yueh Chen has been named as a IEEE Fellow for contributions to software testing through the invention of metamorphic testing and adaptive random testing.
Metamorphic testing identifies program bugs by analysing the relationships between inputs and outputs of multiple executions of a program under test. Two decades after its introduction, metamorphic testing is now widely used in online search engines, autonomous machines, compilers, Web APIs and deep learning.
Professor Chen, a Professor of Software Engineering in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, was also the recipient of the 2024 ACM SIGSOFT Outstanding Research Award.
IEEE is the world’s largest technology professional organisation dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence. The IEEE Fellow is awarded to a select group of IEEE members whose exceptional achievements are celebrated and recognised by the community.
January 2025
Dr Evie Kendal appointed Fellow of Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense
31 January 2025
Swinburne’s Dr Evie Kendal has been appointed as a non-resident Scowcroft National Security Fellow of the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
US Air Force Academy's Acting Director of the Eisenhower Center, Madison Walker J.D. (Air and Space Law), says the Fellowship is critical to advancing dialogue on space security.
"The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense's Scowcroft Fellowship is a program designed to gather all of the leading experts in space and national security policy together, to further the conversation of what is next for the space domain and the implications that has on our global security."
Dr Kendal is a bioethicist and public health scientist with expertise in the ethics of emerging technologies, including space ethics. She is a part of the planetary defence global consortium and has collaborated with the US Space Force and Harvard & Smithsonian.
Dr Kendal has written papers on asteroid mining's practical, ethical and environmental issues and has contributed to collections in space ethics, law and aerospace medicine. Her interests include lunar miners' health, artificial gestation in space, genetic modification for astronauts and diversity in the space workforce. She also contributed to the Military Space Ethics text used at USAFA, and her work is featured in courses at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
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