26 February 2025
From left: UniSA's Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd, Professor Lan Snell, Associate Professor Stewart Von Itzstein, Dino Rossi and Ryan McClenaghan at the awards event
The University of South Australia’s two nominations in the 2024 national Shaping Australia Awards have taken out both of the prizes in their category.
Professor Tom Raimondo, Dr Jo Zucco and Associate Professor Stewart Von Itzstein won the Future Builder Award, as the team behind Australia’s first higher degree apprenticeship program, UniSA’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).
Professor Lan Snell, Professor Andrew Beer, Peter Stevens, Stan Astachnowicz, Sam Stengert, Leanne Steele, Ling Ly and Jodie Walsh, the team behind UniSA’s trailblazing Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space (GEMBA), took out the People’s Choice Award in the same category.
The Future Builder category honours initiatives that go above and beyond to deliver out-of-the-box teaching and industry engagement that bridges critical knowledge gaps. UniSA’s 2024 award wins reflect the University’s strengths in innovation and enterprise, and build on similar success in the inaugural awards last year.
The Shaping Australia Awards are an initiative of Universities Australia, which share the valuable contributions universities make to society.
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
UniSA’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) enables students to work full time at leading companies like BAE Systems, while studying. This hands-on experience, combined with academic rigor, ensures they graduate as work-ready, experienced software engineers.
Created in partnership with industry partners including BAE and the AI Group, the success of the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) has prompted the Department of State Development to issue a call for expressions of interest to establish additional degree apprenticeships in SA.
Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space (GEMBA)
UniSA’s Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space (GEMBA) is a unique 18-month program delivered across three countries, reflecting the trilateral nature of the AUKUS alliance. The program equips leaders with advanced skills in areas like cyber security, space systems and defence procurement, and combines immersive residentials in Australia, the UK and the US with high-quality online learning.
Through partnerships with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Exeter and leading industry players, GEMBA empowers future leaders to navigate complex global security challenges and drive Australia’s defence and space industries forward.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy congratulated all the winners and finalists.
“These projects are changing lives, driving economic growth and securing Australia’s future. The overwhelming public response reflects the incredible contributions our universities make to help us all,” Sheehy said.
The awards were judged by a panel of eminent Australians comprising:
- Lisa Paul AO PSM, University of Canberra Chancellor and former Secretary of the Department of Education
- Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia
- Charlene Davison, CEO of the Go Foundation
- Michelle Gunn, editor-in-chief of The Australian
- Nicholas Moore AO, special envoy for Southeast Asia
- Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University and Nobel laureate
- Annabelle Williams OAM, Paralympic Gold Medallist, business owner and lawyer
A full list of the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards winners is available at shapingaustraliaawards.com.au.
