A Totally Wild legend, a leading parenting expert and a pioneer in Queensland’s community sector are among The University of Queensland’s 2026 Alumni Award winners.
The annual awards recognise outstanding University of Queensland alumni making significant contributions to their communities.
Eighteen alumni from UQ’s global community of 370,000 were honoured at an awards ceremony on 15 October for their extraordinary achievements across a wide range of fields.
Among those recognised was Stacey Thomson, widely known as ‘Ranger Stacey’ from children’s television program Totally Wild, awarded the 2026 UQ Gatton Gold Medal.
The award recognises Ms Thomson’s commitment over 4 decades of educating the next generation about wildlife, biodiversity and environmental conservation.
“I am passionate about sharing my knowledge, engaging audiences, sparking curiosity and inspiring children to care for the environment,” Ms Thomson said.
“There is something very special when someone tells me how I inspired them to pursue a career as a scientist, vet, researcher or environment educator.
“I am proud to have raised awareness across generations of Australians.”
Paying it forward
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AC said the award winners shared UQ’s commitment to creating a better future.
“This year’s recipients have made a meaningful difference across an impressive range of fields, including engineering, entrepreneurship, health, sport and music,” Professor Terry said.
“Their achievements are a source of pride for our entire UQ community, as they reflect UQ’s enduring commitment to creating positive and lasting change.”
Dr Justin Coulson, parenting expert and media commentator, was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award.
He said his higher education experience had been transformative and enabled him to help other families in their most vulnerable moments.
“I failed high school and walked into UQ as a 27-year-old father and husband who wanted to start his life over again by getting educated – and I fell in love with learning at UQ,” Dr Coulson said.
“I’m in the remarkable position where people come to me for advice, support and direction on how they can improve the thing that matters most to them: their family.”
David Muir AM received the Colleges’ UQ Alumni Award for his community leadership and philanthropy, which have helped shaped Queensland’s civic, charitable and research sectors.
Having grown up in rural Queensland, Mr Muir’s own experience of receiving scholarship support to study at UQ inspired a strong commitment to giving back and making a difference in his community.
“I was born and bred in Central Western Queensland near Longreach and won a Commonwealth Scholarship in 1972,” Mr Muir said.
“My bush heritage taught me resilience and a ‘down-to-earth’ outlook on life and appreciation of people – my favourite motto is ‘You make a living by what you get but make a life by what you give’.
“I’m passionate about creating educational opportunities for the next generation by reducing the barriers to tertiary education through the provision of scholarships.”
Full list of 2026 UQ Alumni Award Winners
UQ Alumnus of the Year
Created by Alumni Friends
- Dr Gabrielle Layton (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 1984; Doctor of Philosophy 1994), for delivering global impact through innovation, policy influence and sustained support for scientific advancement.
Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Awards
- Peta Bistany (Bachelor of Human Movement Studies 1990; Bachelor of Arts 1991), for influential leadership in global sport, strengthening governance, strategy and community impact at the highest levels.
- Dr Justin Coulson (Bachelor of Psychological Science 2007), for extensive impact in improving family wellbeing through widely accessible, evidence-based parenting education and sustained community leadership.
- Dr Sarah Ogilvie (Bachelor of Science 1990), for a distinguished career shaping global understanding of the English language and cultural preservation through influential research.
- Howard Stack (Bachelor of Arts 1966; Bachelor of Laws 1968), for outstanding leadership in law, corporate governance and education, delivering lasting impact across industry and the community.
- Dr Joseph Twist (Doctor of Philosophy 2010; Bachelor of Music (Honours) 2003), for internationally recognised contributions to music across screen and stage, combining creative excellence with meaningful cultural impact.
Indigenous Community Impact Award
- Dr Stephen Corporal (Bachelor of Social Work 2003; Bachelor of Arts 2003), for transformative leadership advancing Indigenous health, education and self-determination through impactful programs, governance and national advocacy.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland.)
International Alumnus of the Year
- Dr Vivian (Sze Yue) Chan (Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) 2006), for advancing access to scientific knowledge and deep tech innovation through entrepreneurship and policy leadership.
Contribution to Sport Alumni Award
- Dr Jarred Gillett (Doctor of Philosophy 2018), for exceptional dual impact in elite football refereeing and groundbreaking scientific research for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Gatton Gold Medal
- Stacey Thomson (Associate Diploma in Rural Techniques 1983), for lifelong dedication to inspiring environmental awareness and conservation through education, media and community leadership.
Colleges’ UQ Alumni Award
- David Muir AM (B Bachelor of Economics 1976; Bachelor of Laws 1978), for transformative community leadership, advancement of medical research and social impact at scale, and your sustained connection to St John’s College.
Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
- Dr Justin Clarke (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 2020; Bachelor of Science 2020), for transforming personal adversity into impactful leadership, influential advocacy and academic excellence.
- Ashley Hanger (Bachelor of Journalism 2015; Bachelor of Communication 2015), for entrepreneurial leadership in improving diabetes care, expanding access to essential supplies and education and building a high-impact, clinician-supported community for Australians impacted by diabetes.
- Jamie Howell (Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences 2021), for outstanding athletic achievements and leadership in advancing inclusion, accessibility and opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing athletes.
- Sita Sargeant (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 2021; Bachelor of Arts 2020), for elevating women’s histories, creating a nationally recognised platform that advances gender equity and reshapes public understanding at scale.
- Dr Zachary Tan (Bachelor of Science 2015; Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery 2015; Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership 2019), for leading in AI-driven medical innovation, advancing early disease detection and equitable healthcare access on a global scale.
UQ Graduate of the Year
Created by Alumni Friends
- Dr Mia Wong (Bachelor of Biomedical Science 2021, Doctor of Medicine 2025), for academic achievement and efforts towards environmental awareness in medical education.
- Sophie Renton (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 2025), for academic achievement and contributions to community disaster readiness and awareness.
