Sponsored by Epigeum, this award celebrates Professor Lord’s outstanding leadership and advocacy for high-quality graduate research teaching, learning, and mentoring, particularly focused on impactful industry connections for HDR candidates.

As a professor of biomedical engineering, Professor Lord has demonstrated exemplary leadership in establishing the Australian Graduate School of Engineering (AGSE) Industry PhD program within the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW. Her strategic vision and commitment to collaboration, effective communication, and inclusivity have fostered a vibrant community of industry-engaged researchers, comprising 40 HDR candidates, 63 academics and 35 industry partners.

Professor Lord’s contributions extend beyond the AGSE Industry PhD program, encompassing innovative HDR skill development programs such as the Emerging Engineering Leaders program in partnership with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), the HDR Lunch & Learn series, industry site visits and a robust HDR social program. Her strategic initiatives have significantly contributed to the development and enhancement of institutional HDR strategy and policies, creating a supportive intellectual community for HDR students, supervisors, and programs.

We also extend our congratulations to Professor Lord for her remarkable leadership and dedication to advancing graduate research excellence.