Through the University of Tasmania’s Alumni Awards, the University seeks to honour the diverse achievements of our graduates who have made, or are making, a significant contribution across their fields of endeavour.
Congratulations to the three 2025 University of Tasmania Alumni Award winners: Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM (Distinguished Alumni Award), Dr Helen Crowley (International Alumni Award) and Daniel Edwards (Young Alumni Award).
Rebecca Cuthill, Director of Advancement at the University, says the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional and diverse achievements of our growing alumni community.
“Each year a committee of alumni and staff review the nominations and are delighted to read stories of achievement and community impact amongst them,” she said.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners whose contributions range from improving people’s health in Tasmania and around the world, to aligning businesses with ecological integrity internationally, and leading the way with innovative STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Maths) teaching.”
2025 Alumni Award recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award
Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM
BSc 1978, BMedSc 1981, MBBS 1984
Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM is a specialist anaesthetist who has delivered care in some of the world’s most challenging environments – from Antarctica to post-tsunami Aceh.
He has driven transformative improvements in patient care and health policy through leadership roles across Tasmania’s health system, including having been Director of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care in Burnie, Director of Anaesthetics and then Clinical (Medical) Director of the Surgical and Perioperative Surgical Stream at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and Co-Chair of the Tasmanian Health Senate.
Internationally, Dr Skinner co-founded the Primary Trauma Care Course, training clinicians in life-saving trauma management in over 80 countries. His work in Vietnam, including the UTAS-Pistachio Project, has reduced road trauma mortality and morbidity. Dr Skinner has recently been appointment as an Honorary Professor at Hanoi Medical University and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018.
“I am deeply moved and feel so very privileged to receive this alumni award and join the alumni legacy of an institution that has recognised such talented individuals in previous years,” Dr Skinner said.
“I have been very fortunate to have had opportunities to provide leadership to support the delivery of accessible, evidence-based specialist clinical and aeromedical services to improve access for Tasmanians to quality health care.
“I have worked with and developed life-long friendships with many highly motivated and capable individuals, a number of whom are my original graduating classmates.
“It has been particularly special to have been recognised by my respected colleagues, culminating in an Australia Day Award in 2018 for providing clinical leadership, education and training in anaesthesia, surgery and the development of trauma services.
“It is really a shared honour and testament to the support I’ve had from my wife and family, my mentors over the years and my wonderful colleagues who have provided encouragement and helped in shaping my career journey to this point.
“Ultimately any legacy is measured not just by an individual’s achievement but by the enduring impact that it leaves, on patients, colleagues and the healthcare systems as a whole, upon which the next generation can build, and I have been very happy to have been a part of that.”
WATCH MORE from Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM
International Alumni Award
Dr Helen Crowley
BSc Hons 1985
Dr Helen Crowley is a distinguished global leader in biodiversity, sustainability, and nature-based solutions. With over 30 years’ experience across conservation, corporate sustainability and nature finance, Dr Crowley has shaped international strategies that align business with ecological integrity.
Her work with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Africa and Madagascar has addressed biodiversity conservation, while her leadership at fashion-brand Kering has transformed sustainable and responsible sourcing across luxury brands. Most recently, she served as Managing Director at the advisory and investment firm Pollination driving innovation for direct private investment into nature-positive solutions.
Through her company, Nature Matters, Dr Crowley advises companies, investors, non-profits and start-ups globally, guiding them toward an economy that seeks positive outcomes for nature.
Dr Crowley has served on numerous governance and advisory boards, including Alante Capital, NatureHelm, Textile Exchange, IUCN US, Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network and the Governance for Tomorrow initiative. She has been recognised as a Chevalier de l’Ordre National by the Government of Madagascar and one of Australia’s top 52 newsmakers.
“I am so very grateful for the fabulous ‘launch pad’ for my career that the University of Tasmania gave me,” Dr Crowley said.
“I have always loved nature, but my four years at UTAS opened wonderful new experiences and delivered essential knowledge, all while nurturing my passion to work ‘for Nature’.”
Young Alumni Award
Daniel Edwards
BEd 2013
Daniel Edwards is a nationally celebrated STEM educator whose innovative teaching is reshaping how young Australians engage with science and sustainability.
As a teacher at Montello Primary and Parklands High School, Daniel creates immersive, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity and empower students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. His excellence was recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching and a 2022 Schools Plus Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award.
Beyond the classroom, Daniel is Founder and CEO of GreenSTEM Education, Tasmania’s first STEM-focused charity. Through initiatives like STEM Unlimited and Greenpower Australia, he equips educators and students – especially in regional and disadvantaged communities – with tools to tackle environmental challenges through science and technology.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honour and a recognition of the work I’ve been privileged to lead in STEM education,” Daniel said.
“It motivates me to continue creating opportunities that empower students to explore, innovate, and see themselves as capable of shaping the future.
“In terms of career highlights, I’m proudest of seeing students not only engaging with STEM learning for their own benefit, but using their skills to create social impact, advocate for equity, and inspire others.
“My mission is ‘STEM for all’, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see students embrace this vision, expanding opportunities and advocating for access for everyone.
“I’m deeply grateful to the many colleagues, supporters, partners, connections, schools, students, and the wider community who make this work possible – this award reflects not just my efforts, but the collective commitment of so many people dedicated to making STEM education accessible, inspiring, and transformative for all young people.”
Connect with our alumni community to discover more.
Image top right (L-R) : Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM | Photo: Dr Richard Wong, Dr Helen Crowley | Photo: Supplied, Daniel Edwards | Photo: Supplied