Awards & Prizes

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) 3 August 2026.

To help you to complete the online form we've provided a PDF version. You must complete the appropriate online form, do not use the PDF form it is a only a guide.

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:

The Kyp Kypri Early Career Award recipient will present the Kyp Kypri Early Career Keynote* address at the 2026 APSAD Conference.
The Advocacy Award recipient will have the opportunity to hold an Advocacy Workshop* at the 2027 APSAD Conference.

*Subject to review by the abstract by the conference Scientific Advisory Committee. Registration, travel or accommodation not included.

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 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 recognises excellence and leadership in clinical practice in the field of substance use in any discipline.
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 Pasifika peoples.
The Kyp Kypri Early Career Award is for excellence in research relative to career opportunities.
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 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 is for significant contribution in the alcohol and other drug field.
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.

Poster Prizes

The Posters are one of the core parts of the APSAD Conference, as selected abstracts from all disciplines, are presented by colleagues from across Australasia and the world. The posters offer a platform to see and discuss achievements, ideas, and developments face-to-face. The best poster presentation awards were established to recognise the scientific merit exhibited in poster presentations at APSAD conferences.

There are four $200 prizes for best poster. Assessment will be based on content and presentation. The judges will be appointed from the Scientific Advisory Committee and their decision will be final.

Categories:

Early Career Poster Prize
Mid-Career Poster Prize
Senior Scientist Poster Prize
Clinician Poster Prize

Peoples' Choice Poster Prize

All posters presented at the conference are automatically entered into the competition. Delegates will be provided the opportunity to vote for the poster they feel is the best, and the winner will be decided by ballot. The winner will receive a certificate.

Late Breaker Prize

The Best Late Breaker Presentation Award was established to recognise the scientific merit exhibited in presentations at APSAD conferences.

The presenter judged as preparing and delivering the Best Late Breaking Presentation receives a certificate and $150. The prize will be announced at the Closing Plenary session of the conference.

There will also be certificates for the runner up and an honourable mention.

The Late Breaking Presentations are judged based on original scientific importance or clinical or policy relevance, and clarity of presentation.

Key Deadlines:

Scholarship Application Deadline: 5 July 2026

Late Breaker Abstract Deadline: 27 July 2026

Early Bird Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026

Accommodation Deadline: 28 September 2026

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APSAD acknowledges that the conference is being held on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. 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.