Professor Margaret Kelaher Oration in Pursuit of Health Equity Award
In 2025, the Centre for Health Policy established the Professor Margaret Kelaher Oration in Pursuit of Health Equity Award [hereafter the Award] to promote, recognise, and celebrate exceptional achievements in public health and health services research by emerging research leaders.
The Award honours the legacy of Professor Margaret Kelaher and highlights the critical contributions of emerging research leaders in advancing health equity and improving outcomes for populations experiencing disproportionate challenges and inequities.
One Award is presented annually to a University of Melbourne staff member within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences in recognition of the significant impact and demonstrable contribution their original research has made over the preceding ten years.
The Award is overseen and administered by a Selection Committee comprising at least four members from the Evaluation and Implementation Science Unit, with input from the Centre for Health Policy and the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
The recipient is selected based on the recommendation of the Selection Committee, and with input from at least two representatives from a Unit within the Centre for Health Policy, as well as a national or international research collaborator of the late Professor Margaret Kelaher. The Selection Committee recommendation is submitted to the Director of the Centre for Health Policy and the Head of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health for endorsement.
The recipient will deliver an oration at the University of Melbourne based on their original research at the end of the year. The cash prize of $5000 is awarded and funded by the Centre for Health Policy Highest Priorities Fund.
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants must be emerging research leaders, defined as early to mid- career researchers employed at Level B or C.
- Applicants must be current staff members of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and be employed at a minimum of 0.4FTE at the time of their application.
Applicants must complete the online application form, addressing the key selection criteria below. The statement should particularly emphasise the applicant’s contribution and achievements in relation to health equity.
Key selection criteria
- Demonstrate leadership and a strong commitment to health equity with a research portfolio addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, or social determinants of health.
- Evidence of collaboration across disciplines or sectors and engagement in research that is co-designed or conducted in genuine partnership with affected communities.
- Demonstrate success in translating research findings into real-world policies, programs, or practices that have improved health outcomes.
- Involvement in mentoring or capacity building for underrepresented groups or junior researchers, especially from communities facing inequities.
- Evidence of research impact through publication record, citation metrics, conference presentations, involvement in relevant policy, advisory or scientific committees.
Applicants must also propose a title and provide a brief summary of their planned oration.
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will identify the applicant whose research is considered to have had the most significant impact on health equity.
This Award may be received only once. Applicants who have previously received it are not eligible.
To maintain integrity and avoid any perceptions of conflict of interest, Selection Committee members are ineligible to apply for the Award in the same year they serve on the committee.
April 2026 | Release of guidelines |
April 2026 | Applications open |
25 September 2026 | Applications close |
Last week of September 2026 | Selection committees meet |
First week of October 2026 | Recipient of the Award announced |
Late October/ early November 2026 | Oration event |
Email: mkelaher-award@unimelb.edu.au