The People’s Choice Awards, decided by nearly 32,000 votes, honour university-led innovations in research, teaching and community service. This year’s winners are:

• Problem solver award – RMIT’s Latte-street innovation: coffee-infused concrete (4,116 votes). This eco-friendly innovation boosts concrete strength by 30 per cent and is already in use in Victoria’s Big Build projects and is also showcased at Germany’s prestigious Futurium museum.
• Future builder award – University of South Australia’s Delivering the future of our space and security sectors MBA program (2,426 votes). This cutting-edge program is training future leaders in cyber security, space systems and defence procurement.
• Community champion award – University of Wollongong’s All ages all abilities playground (4,646 votes). A first-of-its-kind play space for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy congratulated all the winners and finalists.

“These projects are changing lives, driving economic growth and securing Australia’s future. The overwhelming public response reflects the incredible contributions our universities make to help us all.”