These awards recognise excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, and the development of curriculum and/or higher-education programs relating to Indigenous Australians.
For the purposes of this award, the College will follow the University interpretation of Indigenous higher education as a broad concept that embraces:
- Curricula and programs for Indigenous students;
- Curricula and programs involving collaborations with Indigenous Australians;
- Curricula and programs where the content relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and societies;
- Academic or professional staff who have made an important contribution to Indigenous education by furthering scholarly learning, research and public knowledge of Indigenous issues, and/or made important contributions to Indigenous communities/peoples' aspirations;
- Academic or professional staff who are themselves Indigenous.
- Teaching teams involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic and non-academic experts.
Applications for each of the categories in the Award for Indigenous Education should frame their evidence in an Indigenous context.
There are five categories of award including:
- teaching
- program
- supervision
- contribution to student learning
- tutoring
NOTE:
Details of the criteria, evidence supporting the criteria, and other required information for applications is available via the category tabs below.
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Teaching category
Eligibility
- For nominations, any person who has been teaching in the ANU College of Business and Economics (including fractional, adjunct, visiting or casual teaching appointments) for at least one full semester within the two years immediately preceding the closing date for nominations are eligible to apply. Both individual and team nominations are encouraged.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees are eligible for renomination.
- Recipients of a CBE or VC Award for Indigenous Education in the Teaching category (including early career category) are ineligible for renomination within 3 years unless they are a member of a team and not the lead applicant, and the team nomination does not substantially replicate the original award.
Selection Criteria
1. Approaches to teaching and the support of learning that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn.
Fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning; participating in effective and empathetic guidance and advice for students; assisting students from equity and other demographic subgroups to participate and achieve success in their courses; encouraging student engagement through the enthusiasm shown for learning and teaching; inspiring and motivating students through effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; enabling others to enhance their approaches to learning and teaching; developing and/or integrating assessment strategies to enhance student learning; provision of support services or programs that improve the student experience and enable learning; evaluating the quality of programs and activities, including consideration of past and current student feedback to support student learning
2. Development of curricula, resources or services that reflect a command of the field.
Developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning; implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching; demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the design of the curriculum and the creation of resources for learning; communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning; providing support to those involved in the development of curricula and resources; contributing professional expertise to enhance curriculum or resources; evaluating the quality of curriculum, resources or services.
3. Effective evaluation practices that bring about improvements in student learning, may have a focus on academic integrity or digital solutions, or any assessment strategies that bring about change
Showing advanced skills in assessment/alternative assessment practices; using a variety of assessment strategies to bring about change; adapting assessment methods to different contexts and diverse student needs and learning styles; contributing professional expertise to the field of assessment in order to improve program design and delivery; dissemination and embedding of good practice identified through assessment; evaluating the quality of the assessment practices.
4. Innovation, leadership or scholarship that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or student experience.
Participating in and contributing to professional activities related to learning and teaching; innovations in service and support for students; coordination, management and leadership of courses and student learning; conducting and publishing research related to teaching; demonstrating leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession; providing innovative learning and teaching for different contexts, including technology enhanced environments, for large and small class sizes and/or to meet the needs of a diverse student cohort; influencing the overall academic, social and cultural experience of higher education; evaluating the feasibility of the innovation or the quality of leadership that enhances learning and teaching and/or influence student experience.
5. Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Application portfolio
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted to education.cbe@anu.edu.au by: 9am Friday 30 January 2026.
Application components
1. Application cover sheet
2. Synopsis: separate from Award Statement (250 words maximum)
3. Award Statement (4 pages maximum):
- Overview: A couple of paragraphs to set up the scene and overall context of your application
- Response to the required selection criteria:
- Addressing one by one in a structured manner; each criterion is weighed equally
- Tell the story of your endeavours. Whenever possible, address/integrate these 4 elements: (i) positive impact on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience, (ii) recognition from others (colleagues, institution, community), (iii) creativity, imaging and/or innovation, and (iv) drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning and in your own discipline
- Reference list
4. Supporting materials: maximum 2 pages - can include student evaluations (if available), testimonials from students, website, media files, or teaching material
Submission/formatting requirements
- 2 cm margin, clear spacing between paragraphs
- Font 11 point Arial or Calibri
- Fee free to use colours, bold, or italicise your words/phrases
- All documents in a single PDF file
Program category
Eligibility
- Nomination is open to all CBE programs and services that enhance student learning at ANU. It is intended that programs are broader than one or two courses or a limited service that involves only a few students. For example, programs may involve a service or program provided at the College or School level, a program of study across a year or number of years, or a service or program directed at particular groups of students.
- Eligible programs must have been operating for at least 3 years.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees are eligible for renomination.
- Recipients of CBE or VC Awards for Indigenous Education in the Program category are ineligible for renomination within 3 years unless:
- they are a member of a team and not the lead applicant, and
- the team nomination does not substantially replicate the original award.
Selection Criteria
1. Positively impacted on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience for a period of no less than three years, not including time taken for development or trial of any activity
The extent to which the program has positively impacted student learning, student engagement, or the overall student experience for at least three years; the extent to which the program addresses identified needs and directly or indirectly enhances student learning, engagement, and/or the overall student experience in higher education; the extent to which the program promotes and supports equity and inclusiveness by improving access, participation, and outcomes for diverse student groups
2. Gained recognition from colleagues, the institution, and/or the broader community
The extent to which the program has gained recognition from colleagues, the institution, and/or the broader community; the extent to which the program has led to widespread benefits for students, staff, the institution, and/or other institutions, in alignment with the program’s purpose.
3. Shown creativity, imagination and/or innovation, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional learning environments or technology-based developments.
The extent to which the program demonstrates creativity, imagination, or innovation; the extent to which the program enhances traditional or technology-based learning environment
4. Drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning to inform the development of initiatives, programs and/or practice
The extent to which the program draws on scholarly literature on teaching and learning and your own discipline to inform the development of initiatives, programs, and/or practices; the extent to which the program has clear objectives and systematic approaches to coordination, implementation, and evaluation
5. Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Application portfolio
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted to education.cbe@anu.edu.au by: 9am Friday 30 January 2026.
Application components
1. Application cover sheet
2. Synopsis: separate from Award Statement (250 words maximum)
3. Award Statement (4 pages maximum):
- Overview: A couple of paragraphs to set up the scene and overall context of your application
- Response to the required selection criteria:
- Addressing one by one in a structured manner; each criterion is weighed equally
- Tell the story of your endeavours. Address/integrate these 4 elements: (i) positive impact on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience, (ii) recognition from others (colleagues, institution, community), (iii) creativity, imagination and/or innovation, and (iv) drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning to inform the development of initiatives, programs and/or practice
- Reference list
4. Supporting materials: maximum 2 pages - can include student evaluations (if available), testimonials from students, website, media files, or teaching material
Submission/formatting requirements
- 2 cm margin, clear spacing between paragraphs
- Font 11 point Arial or Calibri
- Fee free to use colours, bold, or italicise your words/phrases
- All documents in a single PDF file
Supervision category
Eligibility
- Nominees must have been engaged in a supervisory role in either HDR or MPhil/Honours programs at the ANU College of Business and Economics for at least 3 years (non-sequential) immediately preceding the closing date for nominations.
- Nominations must predominantly relate to HDR or MPhil/Honours supervision at the ANU.
- Both individual and team nominations are encouraged.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees are eligible for renomination.
- Recipients of CBE or VC Awards for Excellence in Supervision are ineligible for renomination within 3 years unless they are a member of a team and not the lead applicant, and the team nomination does not substantially replicate the original award.
Selection Criteria
1. Advancing students as researchers through developing their intellectual rigour and disciplinary expertise, and instilling ethical and responsible research practices.
Development of a research program that attracts and maintains high quality candidates, while appropriately reflecting equity and diversity concerns; a record of students attending, and being involved in, disciplinary seminars and other relevant activities; encouraging and assisting candidates with publication during their period of study; development of independent, ethical researchers, as evidenced by an outstanding record of research practice that demonstrates strong adherence to the highest ethical standards; ensuring that students access appropriate research education opportunities ranging from workshops on the concept of research, through to using data sources.
2. An outstanding sustained record of supervisory practices that have resulted in successful completions, significant research outputs and excellent graduation outcomes for students.
Evidence of outcomes of research supervision at a minimum including numbers of supervisions (of each kind) supplemented by a record of achievement such as (sheer number of completions is not sufficient on its own): completion rates, timely completions or completions in spite of difficulties arising within the degree, meeting of milestones, progression to academic or research careers for completed students, other employment outcomes for completed students; external measures of successful research outcomes from the supervised research (e.g. awards, medals, publications, quality of journal, published books, conference presentations/invitations, competitive research funding, funded Fellowships) including joint collaborations
3. Outstanding modelling of the research process for students
Supporting students in choosing a research topic; setting and maintaining clear mutual expectations between student and supervisor; providing timely, constructive, clear and actionable feedback; and nurturing progress through research milestones including processes of completion, publication and research dissemination; provision of resources, necessary coursework if required, and research plan design, developing students’ theoretical, analytical and methodological skills appropriate to the discipline; assisting candidates in the development of research, writing and communication skills, particularly through providing appropriate resources/access to relevant training opportunities
4. Providing and supporting engagement between students and broad scholarly communities through networking and research dissemination opportunities
Evidence of modelling a scholarly approach to research in a global context which recognises the complexity and challenges research candidature in contemporary academic contexts; encouragement and support for students to access a range of research scholars and projects nationally and internationally, providing opportunities for students to work within an international context through exchanges, meetings, and collaborative work; facilitation of student networking with other national and international researcher colleagues, appropriately evidenced by student engagement at conferences and other networking opportunities; provision of career support and opportunities at a national and international level, leadership of, or contribution to, an effective supervisory panel; facilitating the construction of a well-balanced panel, including working effectively with other panel members; encouragement to students to effectively utilise supervisory panel members including encouraging students to take advantage of the particular strengths of other members of the panel; specific research outcomes for the student involved, such as invited presentations at international conferences; publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; academic reputation/position of past completed students.
5. A systematic and scholarly approach to professional development of supervisory academic practice and skills in disciplinary or interdisciplinary settings
Evidence of advanced skills in evaluation and reflective practice; participating in and contributing to professional activities related to research supervision; coordination, management and leadership roles in relation to research supervisions; conducting and publishing research related to research supervision; leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession, department, school and research candidates; contribution to relevant policy development at College, University, or even sector level.
6. Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Application portfolio
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted to education.cbe@anu.edu.au by: 9am Friday 30 January 2026.
Application components
1. Application cover sheet
2. Synopsis: separate from Award Statement (250 words maximum)
3. Award Statement (4 pages maximum):
- Overview: A couple of paragraphs to set up the scene and overall context of your application
- Response to the required selection criteria:
- Addressing one by one in a structured manner; each criterion is weighed equally
- Tell the story of your endeavours. Whenever possible, address/integrate these 4 elements: (i) positive impact on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience, (ii) recognition from others (colleagues, institution, community), (iii) creativity, imaging and/or innovation, and (iv) drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning and in your own discipline
- Reference list
Submission/formatting requirements
- 2 cm margin, clear spacing between paragraphs
- Font 11 point Arial or Calibri
- Fee free to use colours, bold, or italicise your words/phrases
- All documents in a single PDF file
Contribution to Student Learning category
Eligibility
- Nominees may be professional staff, academic staff, or sessional staff employed by the ANU College of Business and Economics for at least two full semesters within the two years immediately preceding the closing date for nominations.
- Both team and individual nominations are encouraged.
- Previously unsuccessful Citation nominees are eligible for renomination.
- Recipients of a CBE or VC Award for Indigenous Education in the Contribution to Student Learning category are ineligible for renomination within 3 years unless they are a member of a team and not the lead applicant, and the team nomination does not substantially replicate the original award.
- Recipients of a CBE or VC Award for Indigenous Education in the Teaching category are ineligible to apply for a CBE Award for Indigenous Education in the Contribution to Student Learning category.
Nominees must pick ONE category from the following 4:
1. Approaches to teaching and the support of learning that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn.
Fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning; participating in effective and empathetic guidance and advice for students; assisting students from equity and other demographic subgroups to participate and achieve success in their courses; encouraging student engagement through the enthusiasm shown for learning and teaching; inspiring and motivating students through effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; enabling others to enhance their approaches to learning and teaching; developing and/or integrating assessment strategies to enhance student learning; provision of support services or programs that improve the student experience and enable learning; evaluating the quality of programs and activities, including consideration of past and current student feedback to support student learning
2. Development of curricula, resources or services that reflect a command of the field.
Developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning; implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching; demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the design of the curriculum and the creation of resources for learning; communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning; providing support to those involved in the development of curricula and resources; contributing professional expertise to enhance curriculum or resources; evaluating the quality of curriculum, resources or services.
3. Effective evaluation practices that bring about improvements in student learning, may have a focus on academic integrity or digital solutions, or any assessment strategies that bring about change
Showing advanced skills in assessment/alternative assessment practices; using a variety of assessment strategies to bring about change; adapting assessment methods to different contexts and diverse student needs and learning styles; contributing professional expertise to the field of assessment in order to improve program design and delivery; dissemination and embedding of good practice identified through assessment; evaluating the quality of the assessment practices.
4. Innovation, leadership or scholarship that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or the student experience.
Participating in and contributing to professional activities related to learning and teaching; innovations in service and support for students; coordination, management and leadership of courses and student learning; conducting and publishing research related to teaching; demonstrating leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession; providing innovative learning and teaching for different contexts, including technology enhanced environments, for large and small class sizes and/or to meet the needs of a diverse student cohort; influencing the overall academic, social and cultural experience of higher education; evaluating the feasibility of the innovation or the quality of leadership that enhances learning and teaching and/or influence student experience.
Selection Criteria
1. Positively impacted on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience
The extent to which your cited teaching and learning activities have positively impacted student learning, student engagement, or the overall student experience; the extent to which your cited activities address identified needs and directly or indirectly enhance student learning, engagement, and/or the overall student experience in higher education; the extent to which your cited activities promote and support equity and inclusiveness by improving access, participation, and outcomes for diverse student groups
2. Gained recognition from colleagues, the institution, and/or the broader community
The extent to which your cited activities have gained recognition from students, colleagues, the institution, and/or the broader community; the extent to which your cited activities have led to benefits for students, staff, the institution, and/or other institutions (if applicable).
3. Shown creativity, imagination and/or innovation, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional learning environments or technology-based developments.
The extent to which you demonstrate creativity, imagination, or innovation in your teaching and learning activities; the extent to which your cited activities enhance traditional or technology-based learning environment
4. Drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning to inform the development of initiatives, programs and/or practice
The extent to which you draw on scholarly literature on teaching and learning and your own discipline to inform the development of your cited initiatives and/or practices
5. Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Application portfolio
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted to education.cbe@anu.edu.au by: 9am Friday 30 January 2026.
Application components
1. Application cover sheet
2. Synopsis: separate from Award Statement (250 words maximum)
3. Award Statement (4 pages maximum):
- Proposed citation: 25 words maximum ("For......")
- Specify which category (out of 4) you are seeking the citation for
- Overview: Tell the story of your endeavours in the chosen category (one out of 4) that really demonstrates your identity related to the proposed citation
- Response to the required selection criteria: Addressing one by one in a structured manner; each criterion is weighed equally
- Positively impacted on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience for a period of no less than three years (two years for Early Career), not including time taken for development or trial of any activity
- This should include evidence of extent of positive impact on student learning, student engagement and/or the overall student experience of higher education.
- Gained recognition from colleagues, the institution, and/or the broader community
- This should include evidence of extent of recognition, aligned with the purpose of the citation.
- Shown creativity, imagination and/or innovation, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional learning environments or technology-based developments.
- This should include evidence of the extent to which the citation demonstrates creativity
- Drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning to inform the development of initiatives, programs and/or practice
- This should include evidence of the extent to which the citation is informed by, and if applicable, contributes to scholarly literature.
- Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
- Positively impacted on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience for a period of no less than three years (two years for Early Career), not including time taken for development or trial of any activity
- Reference list
Submission/formatting requirements
- 2 cm margin, clear spacing between paragraphs
- Font 11 point Arial or Calibri
- Fee free to use colours, bold, or italicise your words/phrases
- All documents in a single PDF file
Tutoring category
Eligibility
- Nominees must be employed in the ANU College of Business and Economics as tutors in casual, sessional, full time or fractional, continuing or fixed term positions, for at least one full semester within the two years immediately preceding the closing date for nominations.
- Both individual and team nominations are encouraged.
- Previously unsuccessful nominees are eligible for renomination.
- Recipients of a CBE Award for Indigenous Education in the Tutoring category or VC Award for Indigenous Education in the Tutoring-Demonstrating category are ineligible for renomination within 3 years unless they are a member of a team and not the lead applicant, and the team nomination does not substantially replicate the original award.
Selection Criteria
1. Approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn and achieve the desired objectives of a course.
Fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning; facilitating the development of students' critical thinking analytical skills and scholarly values; encouraging student involvement through the appropriate use of interactive, collaborative and engaging learning activities; the use of high-level of communication (e.g. skilled questioning), presentation and interpersonal skills to help students build understanding in either virtual or face to face settings; using strategies to understand and attend to the individual needs of students; collaborating with course convenors in forming coherent strategies to promote student learning and identifying critical learning issues within a course.
2. Participating in the design, planning and or selection of curricula, particularly relating to tutorial or demonstration resources, that facilitate learning.
Demonstrating a deep understanding of the course objectives and expectations of students as communicated by and discussed with the course convenor; developing and/or selecting and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student engagement and learning; demonstrating up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field of study in the planning, design and or selection of resources and activities for learning; extending course material in tutorials and/or demonstrations to enhance student learning; implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching
3. Approaches to assessment and feedback that foster independent learning.
Helping students to understand how assessment strategies integrate with the course aims and objectives and student learning activities; providing timely, and meaningful feedback to students on their learning; using a variety of assessment and feedback strategies; implementing formative and summative assessments; assisting students in adapting to the assessment requirements and where appropriate recommending how assessment should be adapted to cater for the specific needs of students.
4. A commitment to evaluating and improving teaching practices
Analysing and appropriately applying feedback received by students; participating in professional development activities focused on developing a greater understanding around teaching and learning; being proactive in the role as an intermediary between the students and the course coordinator in suggesting how the course can be further enhanced
5. Additional criteria for Indigenous Education Award - Evidence of effective contribution to Indigenous education and effective collaboration with Indigenous communities/people
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted here. Nominations open in mid-October and close 9am Friday 14 November 2025.
Application portfolio
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted to education.cbe@anu.edu.au by: 9am Friday 30 January 2026.
Application components
1. Application cover sheet
2. Synopsis: separate from Award Statement (250 words maximum)
3. Award Statement (4 pages maximum):
- Overview: A couple of paragraphs to set up the scene and overall context of your application
- Response to the required selection criteria:
- Addressing one by one in a structured manner; each criterion is weighed equally
- Tell the story of your endeavours. Whenever possible, address/integrate these 4 elements: (i) positive impact on student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience, (ii) recognition from others (colleagues, institution, community), (iii) creativity, imaging and/or innovation, and (iv) drawn on the scholarly literature on teaching and learning and in your own discipline
- Reference list
Submission/formatting requirements
- 2 cm margin, clear spacing between paragraphs
- Font 11 point Arial or Calibri
- Fee free to use colours, bold, or italicise your words/phrases
- All documents in a single PDF file