The Flinders University Alumni Awards recognise the significant contributions made by outstanding graduates to the University, community or within their chosen field – locally and internationally.
Professor Huji Xu, whose work led to a radical new treatment for autoimmune diseases, has been recognised by Flinders for developing a revolutionary cell therapy that may enable damaged immune systems to be “reset”.
His landmark study pioneered the first use of engineered immune cells to target the cells that are mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues in autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to remission.
For his research and advancing knowledge of genetic drivers of autoimmune disease – Professor Xu was acknowledged among 10 exceptional alumni at a ceremony held in Adelaide Town Hall on 28 August.
Professor Xu acknowledges that a crucial part of his medical journey began when he moved to Adelaide in 1990, to complete a PhD in clinical immunology at Flinders. He is now working on cost-effective cell therapies that are safer, faster to deliver and more affordable.
“The biggest advantage of allogeneic CAR-T is that the product can be industrially mass-produced, which ensures consistent quality while reducing costs,” said Professor Xu. “I really want to change our clinical practice to benefit patients – and this serves as the driving force that keeps us moving forward in scientific research.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling congratulated this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to improving lives and strengthening communities.
“From pioneering medical breakthroughs to lifelong dedication in community healthcare, public service, science, Indigenous education and First Nations art, our 2026 award recipients are making a profound and lasting difference,” Professor Stirling said.
“As Flinders University celebrates 60 years of changing lives through education, it is especially meaningful to recognise graduates whose achievements reflect that mission. Through their knowledge, leadership and commitment to others, they are creating opportunities, advancing communities and delivering real impact where it matters most.”
Recognised for her career in public service and now as an educator, former South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close is recognised for her leadership, advancing environmental reform and social progress through policy.
Dr Close is now working at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership and is steering leadership education for parliamentarians.
“If the skill levels of politicians, as well as their appreciation of democratic institutions, are stronger, then it makes the practice of politics more responsive to the people – and that strengthens people’s confidence in the system,” said Dr Close.
“We can see that confidence is being shaken through the increasing vote for protest parties. People are saying that politics is not serving them well enough, so we have stepped in to support our democracy.”
Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Durkhanai Ayubi is an acclaimed author, restaurateur and cultural advocate whose work celebrates Afghan culture and builds understanding through food, storytelling and community connection. Born in Afghanistan and arriving in Australia as a refugee, she has drawn on her family’s experiences to share the rich histories and traditions of her homeland with audiences in Australia and around the world.
Through her work with her family’s award-winning Adelaide restaurant, Parwana Afghan Kitchen, Ms Ayubi has created opportunities for cultural exchange and community connection while raising funds for humanitarian causes. Her internationally acclaimed books, including Parwana: Recipes and Stories from an Afghan Kitchen and She Who Tastes, Knows, use food as a lens to explore identity, history and belonging, giving voice to displaced communities and demonstrating the power of storytelling to foster understanding and positive change.
“As a migrant, I’ve always occupied a liminal space and been an observer, and in time I learned that food and the expanse it holds, provides me with a language that helps me process who I am,” she says.
“Expressing these stories serves to provide a bridge between cultures. I’m not just writing about food, but I’m creating and offering a different language around how we see ourselves in these most challenging of times globally.”
2026 Flinders Alumni Awards
Convocation Medallist:
Professor Huji Xu, Professor of Medicine in Tsinghua University
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) 1995
For outstanding leadership in pioneering world-first allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.
John Moriarty AM Impact Award:
Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney AM, Professor of Education, Adelaide University
Doctor of Philosophy 2007
For exceptional leadership in Indigenous education, advancing influential research, policy and practice to strengthen cultural knowledge, empower communities and address educational inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Distinguished Alumni awardees:
Dr Susan Close, CEO and Professor of Practice, The McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership and former Deputy Premier of South Australia.
Bachelor of Arts 1989, Bachelor of Arts with Honours 1991, Doctor of Philosophy (Social Sciences) 1998
For distinguished leadership in public service, advancing environmental reform and social progress through evidence‑based policy and sustained impact for the South Australian community.
Professor John Beltrame AM, Michell Professor of Medicine, Adelaide University, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, CALHN and Research Lead, Translational Vascular Functional.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 1986
For distinguished contribution to cardiovascular medicine, research and education, through sustained clinical care, internationally recognised research and academic leadership.
Durkhanai Ayubi, Author, Cultural Curator & Restaurateur
Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with Honours 2007.
For distinguished contribution to hospitality and literature, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan & working for greater narrative diversity, through food and storytelling.
Dr Felix Ho ASM OAM, Medical Doctor, NT Department of Health
Doctor of Medicine 2015
For distinguished leadership across government and not-for-profit sectors, championing the rights and wellbeing of society’s most disadvantaged.
Early Career Alumni awardees:
Mali Isabel, Freelance Artist
Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts 2021
For significant contribution to contemporary First Nations art and cultural expression, using bold, distinctive practice to celebrate identity, advance representation and foster connection across communities.
Samnang Chan, Founder and Speech Pathologist, Khmer Speech and Language Pathology
Master of Speech Pathology 2021
For significant contribution to speech pathology and community health, building professional capacity and advancing culturally responsive care to improve communication outcomes for children and families in Cambodia.
Adrienne Gooden, Graduate Researcher, Southern Cross University
Bachelor of Science with Honours 2022
For significant contribution to marine science, advancing understanding of white shark behaviour and habitat through innovative research, while strengthening STEM engagement and partnerships with Indigenous communities and youth in regional Australia.
Dr Lauren Jones, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University College London, Bachelor of Medical Science 2016, Bachelor of Science with Honours 2017, Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) 2022
For significant contributions to biomedical science, advancing innovative research on the gut–brain axis and fostering STEM engagement to inspire future generations of scientists