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Welcome to your June edition of Alumni and Friends.
Congratulations to the alumni who have received King’s Birthday Honours across a range of fields that are making a distinctive Tasmanian contribution.
We also celebrate the shortlistees for The Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History. Also in this edition, TEDx returns to Hobart and we share a snapshot of what is on offer. Additionally, we hope that you are inspired by the work of a design graduate in Malaysia who is helping children with clubfoot in their recovery post-surgery.
Finally, we were very sad to learn of the death of Professor Richard Scolyer AO (BMedSc 1987, MBBS 1990) whose contribution to medical science and research was extraordinary. Together with fellow Australian of the Year Georgina Long, Richard helped lead breakthroughs in immunotherapy that have changed advanced melanoma from a once fatal disease into one that is now, for many, curable. He then applied the same approach to his own brain cancer, sparking new research and hope for those coming after him. It is a remarkable legacy, which is recognised through an endowed scholarship established in his name.
You can read more about Richard’s remarkable life and career in the feature published in the 2024 edition of Alumni Magazine.
We also remember Reverend Professor Michael Tate AO, a proud Tasmanian, one of our University’s most influential graduates, and a friend to many across our community. His association with the School of Law spanned decades, from student, to Dean, to Adjunct Professor and his contributions were recognised through an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 1992, an Honorary Professorship, and a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011.
Michael played a pivotal role in establishing and sustaining the Tim Hawkins Memorial Scholarship and remained a generous mentor to students throughout his life. Michael’s support for the University extended further through funding the establishment of the Michael Tate Oxford Scholarship, enabling Tasmanian students to undertake advanced theological study at Blackfriars Hall, an opportunity he knew to be transformative. His achievements across public service, diplomacy and the Church were remarkable, but he is remembered just as deeply for his warmth, wit and humanity.
Their lives remind us of the extraordinary impact Tasmanians can have on the world, and of the generosity, courage and compassion that define our alumni community. Vale
Warm regards
Rebecca Cuthill
Director, Advancement, University of Tasmania
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King’s Birthday Honours
Congratulations to the alumni recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for 2026.
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Shortlist announced for prestigious Tasmanian history award
Three books are on the shortlist for one of Australia’s most significant history book awards, The Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History.
TEDxHobart returns
Alumni feature in TEDxHobart’s exploration of “identity”, coming 1 August 2026
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Designs making a world of difference
A Malaysian designer’s innovative medical products are improving the lives of children living with clubfoot and a range of other orthopaedic conditions
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Time to honour the exceptional impact of our alumni!
Through the University of Tasmania’s Alumni Awards, we seek to honour the diverse and significant achievements of our graduates. Recognise the substantial contributions individual alumni are having on communities across Tasmania, Australia and the world by nominating a friend, peer, colleague, or yourself. Nominatations closing 5pm, 26 June 2026
The University of Tasmania’s Southern Lights Access Scholarship removes barriers to a university education, covering essentials like transport, technology, accommodation and living costs. Funded by donations, 100% of your gift supports students directly. You can your help the next students shine by making a donation to our annual appeal.
Image: Alumnus Nimesh Shrestha (MPA 2025)
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JUN | 24 Island of Ideas - Critical Minerals, Critical Moment: 6.30pm–7.30pm, Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre and online
JUL | 9 Island of Ideas - Understanding the Insect Apocalypse in Launceston: 6.30pm–7.30pm, Rory Spence Lecture Theatre, Inveresk
JUL | 14 SAVE THE DATE: Chemistry Career Conversations - Alumni mentoring students, 5.30pm–7.15pm, Chemistry Building, Sandy Bay Campus
JUL | 24 Art Forum with alumnus Vipoo Srivilasa: Reflecting on his nearly three-decade art career, 12.00pm–1-00pm, Dechaineux Lecture Theatre, with the Creative and Performing Arts School. Presented alongside his exhibition If We're Being Honest, in partnership with Dark Mofo
JUL | 24 Exhibition Celebration Event: Vipoo Srivilasa: If We're Being Honest, 5.30pm–7.30pm, Plimsoll Gallery
AUG | 01 TEDxHobart Salon 2026: Identity: A day of speakers, thinkers, and doers from Lutruwita/Tasmania doing incredible things that will be featured on the world stage, 11.00am, Ian Potter Recital Hall, The Hedberg
AUG | 5 SAVE THE DATE: Law Career Conversations - Alumni mentoring students, 5.30pm–7.15pm, Law School, Sandy Bay Campus
AUG | 13 SAVE THE DATE: Engineering Career Conversations - Alumni mentoring students, 5.30pm–7.15pm, Studio Theatre, Sandy Bay Campus
AUG | 28 SAVE THE DATE: Brisbane Alumni Breakfast Event, 7.30am–9.00am, Green House, Howard Smith Wharves
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* The Island Network: An online space for University of Tasmania alumni to connect, share, and belong. This is more than a platform; it's your gateway to the Tasmanian alumni community worldwide. Join The Island Network today and be part of a community that values connection, contribution, and lifelong belonging.
*Now open: 2027 John Monash Scholarships: $100,000 a year for up to three years, supporting outstanding Australians to pursue a master’s or PhD at any university outside Australia. Whether your passion lies in science, technology, the arts or social impact – this scholarship is open to Australians of all ages and study areas who demonstrate excellence, leadership potential and an ambition to shape a better future for our nation. Applications close 30 June.
*Applications are open for the Rosamond McCulloch Studio Residency in Paris offered by the University. Four artists will have the opportunity to live and work in the studio, located in the world-renowned Cité Internationale des Arts, during 2027. Applications close on July 15, with successful residents and scholarship awardees to be notified in early September. More information: CPA.Admin@utas.edu.au.
*Open from June 24: Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship. Receive up to $120,000 in flexible funding, access to global experiences, and personalised development support. If you graduated within the past five years or are commencing postgraduate study or research you are eligible to apply. You also need to be ready to lead in sustainable futures, innovation, social change or Asia-Pacific leadership. Register for the online information session on Thursday 23 July 2026, 1.00 - 2.00pm AEST. Applications close 20 August.
*Two Medicine Postgraduate Scholarships are available: The Dr MG Ciezar Memorial Scholarship and The Elizabeth and Arthur Cobbold Fellowship. Both opportunities designed to support Tasmanian medical graduates in pursuing impactful international experiences that will shape their careers and contribution to healthcare. Applications close on 30 June 2026.
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We are here to help you. Get in touch with us at alumni.office@utas.edu.au
You can update your contact details, follow the University of Tasmania Alumni on Facebook to hear about: networking or volunteering opportunities, receptions, social events, public lectures, forums, exclusive alumni benefits and the latest University news.
Did you know that your gift, regardless of size, will contribute to scholarships, teaching and research that are truly transformational. Together, we will shift the boundaries of what is possible.
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We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which the
University of Tasmania campuses are located, and to their elders past, present and emerging.
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