Category Overview

The Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year award recognises an individual who excels at connecting research, academia, industry, and the wider community to deliver real-world impact. This award celebrates those who translate ideas, research, and expertise into practical outcomes through collaboration, partnership building, and effective knowledge-sharing.

Open to individuals working across universities, research institutions, industry, public sector, and innovation ecosystems, this category highlights professionals who enable innovation, support commercialisation, and generate economic or social value by bringing people, ideas, and technology together.

Eligibility / Minimum Requirements

• The nominee must identify as a woman working in knowledge exchange, innovation, or partnership-focused roles

• The nominee must demonstrate active engagement between academia, industry, and/or communities

• The nominee’s work must show clear real-world impact or potential for long-term benefit

Judging Criteria

The Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year award recognises a woman who has delivered outstanding impact by bridging research, academia, industry, and communities. Judges will assess evidence of successful collaboration and partnership-building that has led to tangible outcomes such as innovation, commercialisation, policy influence, or societal benefit. Consideration will be given to the nominee’s ability to translate complex knowledge into accessible, actionable insights that enable learning and growth. Judges will also evaluate leadership in driving engagement, shaping innovation ecosystems, and embedding knowledge exchange within organisational culture. A strong focus will be placed on inclusive practice, accessibility, and efforts to widen participation. This award celebrates professionals who turn ideas into impact and create lasting value through collaboration and shared knowledge.