The Professor Richard Scolyer AO Research Innovation HDR Scholarship was officially launched in June 2025.
Left to right: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Health Professor Graeme Zosky, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black and Menzies Director Professor Tracey Dickson. Photo: Peter W Allen
Welcome
As graduates of the University of Tasmania you are part of one of the world’s most enduring and important traditions: the university – from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black.
While universities might seem more commonplace today, we too easily forget that from the perspective of history they are still rare and special places. Amongst all the people who have ever lived, few people have had the opportunity to spend time in one. Even so, the impact of universities and their graduates is vast. This year’s Alumni Magazine is filled with stories that remind us how much they matter.
Universities are founded on one very potent idea: the freedom to pursue truth. They do that by honing our techniques of inquiry and the rigour of our thought, and by encouraging us to follow our curiosity wherever it leads. Essential for flourishing democratic societies, this drive to understand helps move the world forward. The skills that you, our alumni, offer the world are built on this ever-expanding frontier of knowledge.
As much as universities are valued, they are also facing very challenging times here in Australia and in other places around the world, including the USA and the UK. That requires a response, and we at the University of Tasmania have refreshed our strategy in the last year to give even greater emphasis to making a positive impact for Tasmanians, Tasmania and, from here, the world.
We are doing this by focusing on the transitions Tasmania needs to make over the next 25 years in education, health, productivity, and climate, and through nurturing Tasmanian stories.
Each of the stories in the following pages shows how the University and our graduates are making a difference.
Lives are being saved through cutting-edge medical research and awe-inspiring teamwork. Threatened species and precious places are recovering thanks to scientific insights. Skilful design and inclusive education are creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Global financial expertise is helping regional Tasmanian communities. And acclaimed novels are moving people in surprising ways.
Every day our alumni embody the idea of the university through your lives and your work. Your skills and dedication are needed more than ever to help ensure the world is moving in the best possible direction.
At the same time, we need to support universities and all they stand for, so that more people have the opportunity to follow in your footsteps.
Left to right: Rebecca Cuthill, Director, Advancement; Roslyn Teirney; Geoff Haward AM; Rob Blandford, Associate Director, Alumni Relations at the 2024 luncheon. Photo: Peter W Allen
Meaningful Connections
It’s our pleasure to bring you the 2025 edition of the University of Tasmania Alumni Magazine – a celebration of the people, places and ideas shaping our University community.
This year has been one of reconnection. From Hobart, Launceston and Burnie to Melbourne and Sydney, we’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you at alumni events across the country. These gatherings have reminded us of the strength, warmth and generosity that define our alumni network.
We’re especially thankful for the continued partnership of our Alumni Advisory Committee. With members based both in Australia and overseas, the committee plays a vital role in guiding our work and ensuring alumni voices remain at the heart of our engagement.
The stories featured in this edition reflect the breadth and depth of alumni impact – from Antarctic science and species conservation to storytelling, architecture and humanitarian leadership. Each one is a powerful reminder of the diverse ways our graduates are contributing to Tasmania’s future, and to communities around the world.
We would like to extend particular congratulations to our 2025 Alumni Award winners: Clinical Associate Professor Marcus Skinner AM (Distinguished Alumni Award), Dr Helen Crowley (International Alumni Award) and Daniel Edwards (Young Alumni Award). Their contributions across medicine, sustainability and education reflect our University values of inclusion, diversity, excellence and respect. You can read more about the contributions of these alumni in the article on the awards.
Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains on strengthening connections, creating meaningful opportunities to engage, and celebrating the achievements of our alumni community.
As part of our ever-growing alumni community, we encourage you to stay engaged and be part of the University’s story. We hope you enjoy reading about some of our inspiring alumni in the 2025 Alumni Magazine.
Rebecca Cuthill, Director Advancement and
Rob Blandford, Associate Director, Alumni Relations