Two initiatives from Monash University's Faculty of Arts have been shortlisted in the nationally competitive Shaping Australia Awards.
An initiative of Universities Australia, the awards recognise the outstanding contribution university projects make in solving real-world problems and shaping Australia's future. The initiatives are two of 15 finalists.
Dr Kate Murphy, Associate Professor Suzy Killmister and Tony Williams from the School of Philosophical, Historical and Indigenous Studies, have been shortlisted in the 'Future Builder Award' category, for their project Activism for Academic Freedom: Students taking a stand for global scholars.
The third-year course pairs students with international network Scholars at Risk to design and deliver real-world advocacy campaigns for imprisoned or at-risk academics. Students first build a theoretical understanding of academic freedom's role in democracy, then apply it through research, campaigning and storytelling that give voice to scholars silenced globally.
Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby from the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, has been shortlisted in the 'Community Champion Award' category for her project, Breaking Barriers in Communication: Transforming access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians.
Working with Deaf-led organisations, government, and education providers, Associate Professor Willoughby has delivered Australia's first credential for Deafblind interpreters, the world's first 3D Auslan fingerspelling generator and a revitalised Signbank dictionary used daily by over 2,500 people. Louisa has also shaped national curriculum reforms, produced Australia's first digital Auslan textbook and designed specialist training for crisis, trauma and forensic contexts.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Katie Stevenson, congratulated the two finalists on their well deserved recognition.
"These projects exemplify the relevance of the humanities to contemporary Australia and Australians." Professor Stevenson said. "From defending academic freedom to transforming communication access, these two shortlisted projects reflect our deep commitment to social justice, inclusion and global engagement. I'm incredibly proud of the impact our academics have on life in Australia and I encourage everyone to vote."
With voting now open in the People's Choice category, the Monash community are being asked to show their support and vote.
People's Choice winners will be announced at the Universities Australia Gala Dinner at Parliament House, Canberra on 25 February 2026. People's Choice voting is open until 19 January 2026.
