Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership
The Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) is the peak body for graduate research in Australia’s higher education sector, representing Deans of Graduate Research or equivalent leaders from all Australian universities offering Higher Degrees by Research (HDR).
Founded in 1997, ACGR plays a leading national role in promoting and supporting excellence in research and research training, positioning graduate research as a key contributor to Australia’s future prosperity.
The Graduate Research School is seeking nominations for the 2026 ACGR Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership. This award recognises an individual academic in a research training leadership role who demonstrates inspirational and effective graduate research leadership at Faculty (or equivalent) or university level.
The winner of the ACGR award will:
- Be publicly recognised at the ACGR National Meeting in November 2026
- Be featured on the ACGR website
- Receive a grant of $3,000.
Why Nominate?
Nominating a colleague or supervisor is a meaningful way to recognise exceptional leadership in graduate research and to showcase UC’s excellence at a national level.
Many outstanding contributions to HDR training and supervision occur behind the scenes. This award provides an opportunity to acknowledge individuals who:
- Shape inclusive and supportive research cultures
- Strengthen HDR policies, systems, and governance
- Mentor supervisors and future research leaders
- Champion innovation in research training and skills development.
A successful nomination not only celebrates an individual’s impact but also enhances the national profile of UC’s graduate research community.
Eligibility
To be eligible, nominees must have a continuing or contract position at no less than 0.4 EFT (or an adjunct appointment) at UC for a minimum of two years prior to the year of nomination.
Selection Criteria
Contributions to the following areas will be assessed:
- Initiatives that foster a strong, supportive, and inclusive intellectual community for HDR candidates at Faculty (or equivalent) or university level
- The development, delivery, and ongoing enhancement of high-quality and innovative HDR and/or researcher skill development programs at Faculty (or equivalent) or university level
- Leadership in providing support, guidance, and mentoring to less experienced HDR supervisors at Faculty (or equivalent) or university level
- The development and strengthening of HDR strategy, policy, and governance at Faculty (or equivalent) or university level.
Selection Process
All enrolled Master by Research or Doctoral candidates may nominate an academic staff member in a research training leadership role for the award. UC staff members may nominate themselves or a colleague, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Based on the nominations received, a single institutional nominee will be selected to be submitted to the ACGR for consideration. The successful nominee will be required to work collaboratively with the Graduate Research School to further develop and refine the nomination materials for submission, in line with ACGR requirements and timelines.
Timeline
Date | Description |
10 May 2026 | UC nominations due |
15 May 2026 | GRS reviews submissions and selects finalist |
18 May - 22 June 2026 | Finalist works on ACGR nomination form with support from GRS |
24 June 2026 | GRS submits nomination to ACGR |
Submission
Nominations must be submitted via the UC by 10 May 2026. Late nominations will not be accepted.
Further Information
Email: GraduateResearch@canberra.edu.au
2026 ACGR (external website)