Associate Professor Roma Forbes.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland. )
University of Queensland teachers remain the nation's most awarded, with a leading physiotherapy educator named 2025 Australian University Teacher of the Year.
Associate Professor Roma Forbes from UQ's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences was recognised at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) for her impact on teaching practice, curriculum innovation and policy.
Five other UQ teachers also received awards, bringing UQ's total awards to 179 since the awards began in 1997.
Dr Forbes's work has influenced how health professional programs prepare graduates for contemporary healthcare, informing curriculum design, professional standards and workforce development across Australia.
"Coming from a background where higher education wasn't the norm, my teaching and leadership has been shaped by both my clinical experience and lived experience navigating complex healthcare systems," Dr Forbes said.
"I began my career as a physiotherapist working with people experiencing persistent pain, seeing firsthand how clinical confidence and how we navigate uncertainty affects people's lives.
"That experience fundamentally shaped my approach to education.
"I believe universities have a responsibility to prepare graduates who can navigate uncertainty, communicate clearly, and provide person-centred care in rapidly changing and complex systems."
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the awards provided well-deserved recognition for outstanding educators who are shaping Australia's future workforce.
"I am thrilled to congratulate Roma on this remarkable achievement, which marks the 7th time that a UQ educator has been named Australia's University Teacher of the Year," Professor Terry said.
"Roma's people-centred approach to teaching and learning has been instrumental in the positive graduate outcomes for our health professional programs, supporting students to become confident, compassionate clinicians.
"Roma and her peers are leaders in graduate transition and resilience, so students are equipped with critical skills for the future and ready to contribute positively to their communities."
Dr Forbes, also a UQ alum, said it was crucial students felt inspired to learn.
"A goal of a teacher is to create spaces where all students are valued so they can build their confidence, raise issues and contribute," she said.
"Students really engage with a deeply human approach to teaching, which integrates real patient stories and cases, through to authentic assessment.
"This award recognises the collective work of many collaborators, educators, students, clinicians and industry partners who are committed to strengthening how we prepare our future health workforce."
Teaching excellence
Two UQ staff members have been recognised with Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Professor Jason Lodge & Associate Professor Lynda Shevallar.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland.)
Professor Jason Lodge from the School of Education has taught for more than 20 years in psychology, higher education, academic development and initial teacher education. His expertise includes educational technology and AI.
Associate Professor Lynda Shevallar is Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Social Science and a Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) - Students in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. She has a particular interest in creative teaching practices, participative research strategies and engaged citizenship.
Outstanding contributions
Three UQ staff have received Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning:
Professor Lisa Hall from the School of Public Health .
Dr Adriana Penman from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences .
Dr Chamith Wijenayake from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science .
The full list of 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching recipients is available on the Universities Australia website.
