The University of Tasmania's Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE) has received international recognition for its work helping turn research into real-world impact, winning the Benefitting Society category at the International Green Gown Awards.
The award celebrates projects that demonstrate how universities can make a meaningful contribution to society through leadership, collaboration and practical action. The TPE was recognised for connecting academic expertise with decision-makers, communities and industry to help address some of Tasmania's most significant policy challenges.
Among its achievements, TPE research on emissions reduction has helped shape Tasmania's Climate Action Plan, informed sectoral emissions reduction strategies and contributed to amendments incorporated into the Tasmanian Climate Change Act, demonstrating how university research can directly influence policy and action.
Established in 2020, the Tasmanian Policy Exchange was created to help bridge the gap between academic research and public policy. Working across areas including climate change, productivity, democracy and governance, renewable energy, and community wellbeing, the team brings together researchers, policymakers and community partners to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex challenges.
For TPE Deputy Director Dr Robert Hortle, the award highlights the important role universities can play in helping communities navigate change.
“Tasmania is facing some big challenges, and the TPE’s goal is to ensure that our State’s governments, communities and businesses are taking on these challenges equipped with the latest research and best available evidence. It’s all about producing and sharing rigorous, independent evidence and policy analysis that will help our state become more sustainable, equitable and inclusive.”
The judges described the University's submission as "an outstanding" example of translating university expertise into meaningful societal benefit.
They praised the initiative's strong institutional approach, relevance to real-world challenges and potential for wider application.
"The initiative demonstrated strong leadership, engagement and a compelling connection between academic expertise and positive societal outcomes," the judges said.
"Its overall quality, ambition and potential for lasting and transferable impact made it a highly deserving winner."
Since its establishment, the TPE has worked with more than 45 academic and professional staff from across the University and provided opportunities for graduate interns to contribute to projects that directly influence public policy and community outcomes. The team has supported work on Tasmania's Sustainability Strategy, climate action planning, emissions reduction, renewable energy development, child and youth wellbeing, local government reform and many more public policy initiatives with impact both within Tasmania and beyond.
A growing part of that work is Policy In My Backyard (PIMBY), a public information platform designed to make policy discussions more accessible and engaging for Tasmanians. Through easy-to-read articles, PIMBY explores issues ranging from elections and budgets to healthcare, climate action and economic development, helping people better understand how policy decisions affect their everyday lives.
While focused on Tasmania, the judges recognised the Tasmanian Policy Exchange as a model that could be adapted by universities elsewhere looking to strengthen connections between research, public policy and community impact.
The international award reflects the University's longstanding commitment to making a difference for Tasmania through place-based research, partnerships and engagement.