APSAD 2025

Nominations for the 2025 APSAD Awards for Excellence in Science, Research & Practice are open

The Awards will be presented at the 44th APSAD Conference on Gadigal Country (Sydney) 9-12 November 2025.

As Australia's leading multidisciplinary organisation for professionals involved in the drug and alcohol field, these prestigious Awards are our unique celebration of the outstanding efforts and achievements of individuals and teams who provide devoted and unstinting service to their communities in diverse fields and go unrecognised.

Acknowledging dedication and excellence in our sector is a key part of the APSAD Awards and encouraging future generations of great researchers and clinicians.

The Awards are nominated by APSAD members and decided by the APSAD Awards Committee.

The closing date for nominations in all award categories is 11.59pm (AEST) 11 August 2025.

To assist you to complete the online form we've provided a PDF version. You must complete the appropriate online form, please do not use the PDF form, it is a only a guide to the sections, questions and required documents.

Nature of the Awards

Each Award recipient will receive:

A plaque and a certificate,
$1,000 to assist with professional development,
One-year APSAD membership.

Plus:
1. The Kyp Kypri Early Career Award recipient will present the Kyp Kypri Early Career Keynote* address at the 2025 APSAD Conference.

2. The Advocacy Award recipient will have the opportunity to hold an Advocacy Workshop* at the 2026 APSAD Conference.

*Subject to review by the abstract by the conference Scientific Advisory Committee.

All eight APSAD Awards reflect excellence in the application of theory, knowledge and practice to any aspect of drug and alcohol use.

The focus of the Awards:

The Advocacy Award

The Advocacy Award recognises the outstanding impact by an individual or a team in the alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs sector who works in the policy and/or advocacy area.

The Clinician Award

The Clinician Award recognises excellence and leadership in clinical practice in the field of substance use in any discipline.

The First Peoples Award

The First Peoples Award recognises an individual that has made an important contribution to the advancement of the health of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacifika peoples.

The Kyp Kypri Early Career Award

The Kyp Kypri Early Career Award is for excellence in research relative to career opportunities.

The Lived and Living Experience Award

The Lived and Living Experience Award recognises an individual that has made an important contribution to clinical practice, research, training, prevention, or policy in their role as someone with lived experience working or volunteering in the area of substance use or harm reduction services.

The Mentor Award

The Mentor Award recognises an individual who has made an important contribution to mentoring and supporting the career development of clinicians, researchers or students.

The Mid Career Award

The Mid Career Award is for significant contribution in the alcohol and other drug field.

The Senior Scientist Award

The Senior Scientist Award is for a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of substance use.

Please contact the APSAD Office by email at awards@apsad.org.au if you require further information.

Details of the Awardees and highlights of the 2023 Awards can be found here.

APSAD acknowledges that the conference is being held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. APSAD acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.