Flinders University has won Academic Institution of the Year at the 2025 Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards for its trailblazing leadership in defence education and research.

Flinders was honoured at the awards ceremony, held on July 10 in Canberra, where it was represented by Defence Partnerships Director Tony Kyriacou, whose leadership has been instrumental in forging key partnerships and seeking opportunities with the defence sector.

This national award recognises the university or academic institution that has most effectively supported the strengthening of Australia’s defence and national security capabilities through its participation in the defence industry.

Flinders is equipping the next generation with the skills needed to support the defence industry and workforce through a diverse range of programs, including degree apprenticeships, fast-tracked pathways at the Findon and Tonsley Technical Colleges, micro-credentials, and master’s and PhD level programs.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Romy Lawson said the award signifies Flinders’ national leadership in working with the defence industry to develop new courses and build defence pathways.

“It also recognises the groundbreaking contributions our experts are making in defence through their world-class research, which spans all six colleges and is gaining international recognition through strategic collaborations with industry, government, and academic partners in the UK and the United States.”

Flinders Defence Partnerships Director Tony Kyriacou said it was an honour to accept the national award on behalf of Flinders, marking the university’s first recognition in the prestigious institutional category.

“This award is recognition of the efforts of Flinders’ staff, students, industry, academic and government partners in playing our part supporting Australia’s defence industry.”

At the forefront of developing the defence workforce, Flinders is recognised as a partner of choice by industry and defence in Australia and internationally, including its collaboration with the US Naval Undersea Warfare Centre.

Professor Sophie Leterme, Director of the ARC Training Centre (ITTC) for Biofilm Research & Innovation was also recognised as a finalist at the ceremony for Academic of the Year for her research into biofouling on naval vessels and docks.

Flinders launched the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation in 2023, supported by the Australian Research Council in collaboration with the Defence Science Technology Group, and including BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd.

More info on the awards winners is available here.