The Universities Australia Higher Education Journalist of the Year 2023 – Julie Hare, Australian Financial Review.
The judges said: “Julie Hare’s news-breaking portfolio of higher education reporting put her at the top of this year’s field. She applied insights gleaned over two decades of dedicated reporting on the policy settings and players shaping Australia’s university sector to a series of compelling news breaks revealing how migration agents were exploiting a current loophole in the nation’s student visa policy settings.”
“Hare’s series of news stories focussed the minds of policymakers and university leaders anew on the student visa rules and policies supporting Australia’s $29 billion higher education export industry at a time of burgeoning bilateral relations with India.”
Julie will have her name inscribed on the National Press Club of Australia honour board and receive a grant of
$12,500 for her outstanding journalism.
The judges also awarded a commendation to Caitlin Cassidy, The Guardian.
They said, “With excellent skills and natural instincts for a cracking story, Caitlin Cassidy’s journalism embodies all the qualities highly valued in higher education specialist reporting. Her series on precarious employment in universities demonstrates her ability to cultivate relationships of trust with sources and shed light on issues faced by vulnerable workers in the sector.”
The Universities Australia Award for Excellence in University Research Reporting 2023 – Nicky Phillips, Nature News
“Nicky Phillips’ contribution to the intersection of law and science is noteworthy. Her exploration of the legal challenges posed by advances in university-enabled scientific research opens new avenues of consideration. It highlights the need to adapt Australia’s legal frameworks to ensure justice in a rapidly changing scientific landscape. Her research is a testament to the critical role of university-trained researchers in rectifying miscarriages of justice.”
”Nicky Phillips’ work excels not only in scientific communication but also in unveiling the profound implications of university research. Her ability to communicate complex concepts is truly commendable.”
For her outstanding journalism, Phillips will receive a cash prize to the value of $3000.
The judges also awarded a commendation to Jacinta Bowler, Cosmos Magazine.
“Her report on the failure of anaemia treatment shines a light on a dimension rarely covered, yet crucial for public understanding of scientific endeavours. By highlighting the significance of failures, she underscores the importance of comprehending the value of setbacks in scientific progress.”
Universities Australia Chief Executive, Catriona Jackson said: “Universities are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring Australia is ready and able to respond to global challenges and grasp opportunities in a changing world.”
“We congratulate Julie Hare and Nicky Phillips for their commitment to reporting the stories that capture the contributions our universities make to the nation.”
