The Future Campus Spotlight Awards are an opportunity to recognise emerging leaders and exceptional workers who are critical in enabling your institution to function and thrive. 

There are six awards; awards recognising Professional Staff Spotlight Award, for a professional staff member working at the equivalent of HEW 7 and/or below who has made an exceptional contribution to their organisation and/or community through their work over a period of at least three years, Academic Staff Spotlight Award for an academic staff member working at the equivalent of Level C and/or below who has made an exceptional contribution to their organisation and/or community through their work over a period of at least three years; the Engine Room Award, for teams demonstrating measurably outstanding achievements in supporting their organisation; the Emeritus Award, for the most outstanding contribution by a former staff member still associated with an institution, the Student Impact Award, recognising sustained impact on others in their institution or the tertiary sector through voluntary work and the Ultimate Colleague Award – a staff member who has had an outstanding impact by supporting their peers. 

How to Enter 

Entrance to the awards is free and candidates for awards must be nominated by others. Award Entries must be no more than two (2) A4 pages in total in 11 point font and will be judged based on meeting minimum criteria for each award, demonstrated (measurable) impact (financial, social, environmental and/or cultural) and innovation. Award entrants are also encouraged to submit a video of no more than 90 seconds in support of their nomination. Terms and Conditions Award entries will be judged by a panel convened by Future Campus and decisions of judges will be final. All award entries may be published in part or in full by Future Campus. Nominations of exceeding the word and video time limit noted above may be excluded and will not be read beyond the permitted length / duration. Entries should not include confidential information. Preference will be given to entries which demonstrate measurable, evidence-based measures to demonstrate achievements and outcomes. Entries close at 5pm AEDT on Monday 24 May. Shortlisted candidates will be announced on 1 June 2026. Any questions in relation to the awards should be sent to info@futurecampus.com.au Award winners will be announced at the HE People & Performance Conference in Melbourne on 22 June. Winners of each category will be announced and awarded a trophy. Entry is open to staff and/or casual employees of tertiary sector institutions in Australia and New Zealand.