News

Celebrating excellence at ACU

From work that has empowered marginalised communities, transformed the student experience, pioneered new curriculum design and delivery and forged new STEM education partnerships, the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Staff Excellence Awards have shone a spotlight on the work of staff across the university.

Key points

• The annual ACU Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Awards publicly recognise outstanding staff whose work supports the mission of ACU and its 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2033.
• Staff were recognised across six categories at the awards ceremony in North Sydney this week

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Top honours went to Mr Martin Taylor, who received the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Excellence and won the Institutional and ESG Excellence category for his distinguished service to ACU.

Mr Taylor was recognised for his exceptional contribution to ACU's governance, financial health, sustainability and culture, creating a culture of accountability, collegiality and improved governance.

“I see this as recognition of the talented people that I’m fortunate to work alongside, and what we have achieved together,” he said.

After more than a quarter of a century in the higher education sector, Mr Taylor is still excited about the promise that university offers the next generation.

“Working at a university means our collective efforts help educate, support and inspire the next generation of leaders,” he said. 

“At ACU we can see the difference our people make through the way we support our students, one another and the communities we serve.”

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the annual awards celebrated the many ways academic and professional staff made a positive impact across the university. 

“These awards recognise the people who bring ACU’s mission to life every day,” Professor Skrbis said.

“I congratulate all of our winners, whose commitment to excellence and service helps our staff, students and the broader community to flourish.”

Congratulations to our excellent staff

Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Excellence
Institutional and ESG Excellence
Martin Taylor

In his role as Director of Strategy and Operations for the Provost portfolio, Mr Taylor has delivered exceptional institutional impact through strategic leadership, operational reform, and a deep commitment to ACU’s success.

Mission and community impact: Associate Professor Syed Fazal-e-Hasan 

Associate Professor Syed Fazal-e-Hasan was recognized for his sustained and significant community engagement that translates positive psychology research into practical support for marginalised communities across Australia and internationally. 

Transformative education and student experience: Associate Professor John Mahoney 

Associate Professor John Mahoney was recognized for his work creating a clear pathway from educational evidence to institutional practice through INSPIRE, ACU Thrive and Cogniti.

Impactful education-research integration: Professor Bhavani Sridharan 

Professor Bhavani Sridharan was recognized for her outstanding contribution to ACU by translating educational research into improved curriculum, stronger teaching practice, and enhanced student learning outcomes. 

Research and innovation for the common good: Professor Rhonda Craven, Doctor Mitch Rom, Doctor Alicia Egan, Doctor Jenny McMullan, Ms Clare Clendinning, Ms Karen Ling, Ms Sarah Naughton, Ms Meghan Kelleher, Mr Jonathan Dekirmenjian and Doctor Diego Vasconcellos.

The team behind Indigenous Game Changers was recognised for the program’s nationally significant contribution to advancing Indigenous success through pioneering research, innovative educational initiatives, Indigenous research leadership and lasting community benefits. 

Local and global strategic partnerships: Associate Professor Sindu George 

Associate Professor Sindu George was recognised for her outstanding leadership in developing strategic partnerships that have significantly extended ACU's impact across education, research and community engagement.