UNSW Alumni Awards
Our alumni are the greatest achievements of UNSW, so every year we look forward to recognising their dedication to making a profound impact here and around the globe.
These exceptional alumni represent the values we embrace at UNSW – demonstrating excellence and respect, driving innovation, embracing diversity and building collaboration.
Thank you for your 2022 nominations. The winners have now been announced.
Award Categories for 2022
For the 2022 Awards, we have six categories to choose from:
Young Alumni AwardRecognising outstanding achievements of our alumni aged 35 or younger who have achieved significant success or impact in a short career span. |
Art and CultureRecognising the achievements of alumni who have made positive contributions to society and the arts through design, creative and cultural disciplines. |
Innovation and EntrepreneurshipRecognising visionary alumni who are forward-thinking leaders in their industry, profession, or area of expertise. |
Social Impact and ServiceRecognising alumni who are making a tangible difference to people’s lives, the environment, or the world through their organisation, volunteering or other service to the community. |
Professional AchievementRecognising outstanding achievements and impacts of alumni in their chosen field or profession, including but not limited to industry, government and sport. |
Research and Teaching AchievementRecognising the work of alumni whose research and/or teaching has produced innovative new solutions and significantly advanced knowledge and practice in their field. |
Alumni Awards Committee & Nomination Process
Alumni Awards Committee
Members of this committee review all nominations, then meet together to assess as a group and agree winners. The committee is made up of UNSW graduates from multiple faculties, representing a diverse range of ages, professional experience, and cultural backgrounds. The committee has a focus on inclusivity, diversity and fair representation of our alumni cohort when considering nominations.
Who is Eligible?
Any UNSW graduate is eligible to be nominated. Posthumous nominations are accepted. A UNSW graduate may not nominate themselves. Current UNSW staff (even if alumni) are not eligible for nomination. Young Alumni nominees must be aged 35 years or younger on 25 Februrary 2022.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations for Alumni Awards may be submitted by alumni, staff, students and members of the wider community. The nominations should be submitted by a nominator with the option of being supported by a seconder. The nominator and seconder are invited to provide supporting evidence. Please include facts and figures where possible. Please submit nominations using the online nomination form here. Please submit nominations by 5pm on the closing date 25 February 2022.
Determination of Awards
Alumni Awards are presented annually by UNSW Sydney and are not limited or extended to one per category but are awarded based on merit. 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. The decision of the Alumni Awards Committee will be final and conclusive, no correspondence regarding decisions will be entered into.
Awards Presentation
The awards presentation will be put on hold due to COVID-19.
UNSW 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.
Alumni Awards FAQs
Can I nominate someone for more than one Alumni Award category?
Yes, nominations will be accepted for the same graduate across different categories in the same year.
Can I nominate myself for an Alumni Award?
No, unfortunately the nomination cannot come from the nominee themself.
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 UNSW staff member?
No, unfortunately UNSW 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. You may wish to include examples of their work.
When will winners be announced to the public?
Winners will be announced in June 2022.
Who chooses the winners?
The Alumni Awards Committee, comprising of representatives from the UNSW alumni community, will review all nominations and choose the winners.