Earth Observation Australia Awards 2026
The Earth Observation Australia (EOA) Awards highlight and celebrate the individuals and organisations building the Australian Earth observation community and its capabilities.
In this context, EO communities and capabilities include all types of industry, government, university, education, non-government, and community/social enterprises.
We welcome nominations from people and organisations who show outstanding performance, leadership and achievements relating to Earth Observation, including but not limited to technical capability, management and leadership, administration, mentoring, research, education and training, national and international collaboration.
Award winners will be invited to participate in future EOA activities to further showcase their award in the coming year.
EOA actively supports and promotes an inclusive culture across the EO community and encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of our community.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 EOA Awards!
Nominations close on Sunday, 11 October. Award recipients will be announced at the AEO forum 2026.
Significant Contribution to the Development of the Australian Earth Observation Community
Awarded to an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to activities that have enhanced and promoted the Australian EO community and/or its capabilities.
This contribution may be in any aspect of Earth Observation such as leadership, research activities, significant contribution to industry or education, etc.
Eligibility
This award recognises an individual contribution to the Earth Observation Community through either or both of:
extended career or lifetime achievement or excellence in EO.
having championed the development or adoption of EO capabilities that have been significant to research and/or industry.
Selection criteria
Documented outstanding performance and excellence in EO over a sustained period of time and/or of provision of significant contribution to EO.
Evidence of influential contributions, initiatives and activities that have developed, supported, and served the Australian EO community and/or its capabilities. This may include evidence of peer recognition.
Track record of leadership, mentoring and commitment within the EO community.
Documented impact and influence in strategic directions in EO for Australia.
Nomination process
Peer-only nomination. The nominee must be aware of and agree to the nomination.
Nominators are required to provide the information and supporting documents outlined below, within the specified word and page limits, in PDF format to communications@eoa.org.au.
EOA may contact the nominee to confirm their consent and willingness to be considered for the award.
The Awards Subcommittee will confirm that each nomination satisfies the eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.
Information to be provided by the nominator
Name and email of the nominee.
Nominee profile that can be used in promotional materials (150 word maximum).
Statement summarising the nominee’s suitability for the award addressing the selection criteria (500 word maximum).
Nominee’s CV or documented achievements (limit 2 A4 pages).
Early-Career Contribution to the Development of the Australian Earth Observation Community
Awarded to an individual, who has worked in Earth observation for no more than 5 years, for contributions that have developed, or have significant potential to be developed and deployed and/or shape or change Australian EO.
The winner will show significant potential for future excellence or leadership.
Eligibility
Nominees must have worked in the EO industry for no more than 5 years but not necessarily directly from higher education.
Selection criteria
Outstanding performance and achievements relative to career opportunity.
Evidence of contributions and their impact to the broader Australian EO capabilities and/or community.
Evidence of technical innovation to date and/or contribution to the EO community that show future indicators of future potential.
Nomination process
Peer-only nomination. The nominee must be aware of and agree to the nomination.
Nominators are required to provide the information and supporting documents outlined below, within the specified word and page limits, in PDF format to communications@eoa.org.au.
EOA may contact the nominee to confirm their consent and willingness to be considered for the award.
The Awards Subcommittee will confirm that each nomination satisfies the eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.
Information to be provided by the nominator
Name and email of the nominee.
Nominee profile that can be used in promotional materials (150 word maximum).
Statement summarising the nominee’s suitability for the award addressing the selection criteria (500 word maximum).
Nominee’s CV or documented achievements (limit 2 A4 pages).
Postgraduate Student Award
Awarded to a PhD or Masters student who has completed a research project that makes a substantial contribution to EO concepts and theory, technology, methods, and/or applications. Nominees must have completed their research at an Australian higher education institution within the past 2 years.
Selection criteria
Evidence of research excellence including the quality of research outputs and publications, awards, accolades, and recognitions.
Significance of the research problem addressed and potential for wider impact and benefits, e.g. to society, environment, and/or industry.
Evidence of engagement and collaboration with research partners (actual or potential) and of public outreach and communication.
Nomination process
Self or supervisor nomination.
Nominators are required to provide the information and supporting documents outlined below, within the specified word and page limits, in PDF format to communications@eoa.org.au.
The Awards Subcommittee will confirm that each nomination satisfies the eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.
Information to be provided by the nominator
Name and email of the nominee.
Profile of the nominee and research project that can be used in promotional materials (150 word maximum).
Thesis Abstract (500 word maximum).
Statement addressing the selection criteria (500 word maximum).
Supporting documents of academic achievements and / or detailed documents of achievements (limit 2 A4 pages).
Innovation in Earth Observation Made by a Group, Company, or Organisation
Awarded for innovation in Earth observation by a group, company, or organisation for a project, product, initiative, or activity conducted within the past 2 years that has made a significant contribution to Australian Earth Observation capabilities and/or community.
Selection criteria
Clarity and significance of the problem or need addressed by the innovation, including the target sectors and intended end users.
Solution innovation, novelty, and excellence.
Evidence of measurable outcomes, uptake and impact of the project, product, initiative, or activity.
Potential for future implementation, delivery, further development, or commercialisation, supported by clear and credible plans where appropriate.
Evidence of further research or development that can lead to further innovation.
Nomination process
Self or peer nomination.
Nominators are required to provide the information and supporting documents outlined below, within the specified word and page limits, in PDF format to communications@eoa.org.au.
The Awards Subcommittee will confirm that each nomination satisfies the eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.
Information to be provided by the nominator
Name and email of contact for the nominee team.
Profile of the nominee and innovation that can be used in promotional materials (150 word (maximum).
Statement addressing the selection criteria (800 word maximum).
Include evidence of documented achievements such as awards, research articles, or accolades.
Innovation in Earth Observation with Cross Organisational Collaboration
This award highlights innovation and collaboration across organisations and institutions to develop capabilities that benefit the wider community. Awarded for an EO project, program, product, or activity that has successfully involved collaborations or partnerships between organisations and/or personnel from different sectors that may include government, not for profit, business, education, research, and non-government. Collaborations that expand the reach, uptake, or application of Earth Observation by creating new opportunities, partnerships, markets, or user communities will be highly regarded. The collaboration may include Australian and international partners.
Selection criteria
Clear description of the initiative, the challenge or opportunity being addressed, and the sectors, partners and collaborators involved, including their roles and the capabilities they contribute.
Evidence of effective collaboration, including how the collaboration was established, how it worked in practice, and the complementary contributions of partners.
Evidence of outcomes and synergies achieved through the collaboration and/or partnership, including capability or benefits delivered beyond the immediate partners. Initiatives that expand the reach, uptake or application of Earth Observation will be highly regarded.
Evidence of commitment to further develop the initiative and provide ongoing support for Research and Development, possible operationalisation and/or commercialisation.
Nomination process
Self or peer nomination.
Nominators are required to provide the information and supporting documents outlined below, within the specified word and page limits, in PDF format to communications@eoa.org.au.
The Awards Subcommittee will confirm that each nomination satisfies the eligibility requirements before progressing to assessment.
Information to be provided by the nominator
Name and email of contact for the nominee team.
Profile of the nominees and collaboration initiative that can be used in promotional materials (150 word maximum).
Statement addressing the selection criteria (800 word maximum).
Include evidence with accolades, research papers, or outcomes of documented achievements.