Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars have been recognised for their contribution to strengthening links between academia and public policy.

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation’s annual prizes celebrate scholar excellence over the past year. In 2022, four prizes were awarded.

Genna Lehman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade won the Pat Turner Prize (Coursework) for the highest weighed average mark of a coursework scholar. She is undertaking a Master of Asian and Pacific Studies at The Australian National University (ANU).

Anthony Cowley from the Department of Social Services won the Pat Turner Prize (Research) for his efforts to share his research into how the drivers of design and co-design for federal government grants affect the welfare of Indigenous Australians. Anthony is undertaking his PhD at Charles Darwin University.

The Joan Uhr Prize was jointly awarded to Tim Watson from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Tristram Sainsbury from The Treasury.

Tim Watson’s PhD explores hysteresis and the Australian economy. Through his research, he has evaluated and designed fiscal policy responses to economic crisis.

Tristram Sainsbury’s PhD investigates Australia’s tax and transfer system. He has worked actively to make his research findings accessible to the broader Australian Public Service by conducting seminars and roundtables at several agencies.

Tim and Tristram’s collaborative research into the JobKeeper payment gained significant media attention in 2022.

Dr Melanie Broder from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade won the Ian Castles Alumni Prize for her efforts to broaden the reach of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. She has provided extensive mentoring and assistance to APS colleagues and current scholars.

Melanie’s PhD research explored states’ attempts to apply deterrence to cyber security policies. She has recently taken up a role as cybersecurity adviser in the Office of the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS encouraged all scholars to continue their important work.

“You are each building impactful links between academic research and public policy development to address the nation’s greatest challenges,” Professor Schmidt said.

“Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars are dedicated public servants who believe in their contribution and dedicate their work and time to making all of our lives better, and I take the opportunity to celebrate and recognise all of them.”

The prizes were awarded at the 2022 Secretaries Dinner, hosted by the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation at Old Parliament House on 7 December.

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Image: (left to right) Genna Lehman, Dr Melanie Broder, Timothy Watson and Anthony Cowley