2025 People's choice voting is now open

From a world-first koala vaccine and light-powered biotech breakthroughs to programs transforming communication access for Deaf and DeafBlind Australians, this year’s 15 finalists highlight how universities are solving real-world problems and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive Australia.

Now it’s over to you. Vote for your favourite project in the 2025 People’s Choice Award and help celebrate the people and ideas shaping Australia's future. Each vote counts, and you can vote multiple times! Vote now.

188

557

581

1307

294

767

1406

304

1035

1204

7543

365

309

424

322

A teacher talking to students in a classroom.
Woman crossing her arms.
Classroom of students smiling.
A woman in a factory.
Man wheeling food on a dolly.
Macquarie scientist smiling with arms folded in a laboratory.

Meet the finalists

The Problem Solver award

Recognises groundbreaking research work that has already transformed, or holds the potential to transform, the lives of Australians for the better.
Vote for your favourite Problem Solver.

Saving Australia’s koalas: a breakthrough vaccine for an endangered icon | UniSC

Saving Australia’s koalas: a breakthrough vaccine for an endangered icon | UniSC

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767

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Targeted hope: redefining treatment for pancreatic cancer | UoW

Targeted hope: redefining treatment for pancreatic cancer | UoW

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1406

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Black Soldier Fly farming: turning waste into wealth | SCU

Black Soldier Fly farming: turning waste into wealth | SCU

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304

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ACEMID: revolutionising early detection and the fight against melanoma | UQ, USYD, Monash

ACEMID: revolutionising early detection and the fight against melanoma | UQ, USYD, Monash

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1035

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Solar biotechnologies: harnessing light to power to solve global challenges | UQ

Solar biotechnologies: harnessing light to power to solve global challenges | UQ

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1204

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The future Builder Award

Celebrates an individual or a team who has gone above and beyond to equip their students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world.
Vote for your favourite Future Builder.

Shaping tomorrow's defence workforce today | Flinders

Shaping tomorrow's defence workforce today | Flinders

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188

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Activism for Academic Freedom: students taking a stand for global scholars | Monash

Activism for Academic Freedom: students taking a stand for global scholars | Monash

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557

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Affiliated Schools Program: redefining teacher education through partnership | UC

Affiliated Schools Program: redefining teacher education through partnership | UC

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581

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Step Up Into Teaching: opening doors to a new generation of teachers | ACU

Step Up Into Teaching: opening doors to a new generation of teachers | ACU

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1307

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Inside-Out: education that transforms lives and systems | RMIT

Inside-Out: education that transforms lives and systems | RMIT

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294

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The Community Champion Award

Honours an individual, team or university with deep ties to its community and the people who call it home, beyond just those who attend the institution.
Vote for your favourite Community Champion.

CDU free tax clinic: building financial inclusion in the Northern Territory | CDU

CDU free tax clinic: building financial inclusion in the Northern Territory | CDU

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7543

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Community first - centring Autistic voices at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre | La Trobe

Community first - centring Autistic voices at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre | La Trobe

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365

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Breaking barriers in communication: transforming access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians | Monash

Breaking barriers in communication: transforming access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians | Monash

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309

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OurFutures Vaping: preventing the next generation from vaping | UniSyd

OurFutures Vaping: preventing the next generation from vaping | UniSyd

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424

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Left Write Hook: reclaiming power through creativity, sport and film | UniMelb

Left Write Hook: reclaiming power through creativity, sport and film | UniMelb

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322

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Key dates

People's choice voting closing in:

00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
1

Entries open

04 June 2025

2

Entries close

5 September 2025

3

People’s choice voting opens

22 October 2025

4

People’s choice voting closes

19 January 2026

5

Winners announced

25 February 2026

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