The Australian National University’s (ANU) Institute for Space (InSpace) has been recognised as University of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Space Connect AusSpace 25 Australian Space Awards.

The award, announced at a ceremony in Sydney on 28 May, recognises InSpace's outstanding leadership in space research, industry engagement and innovation. The awards program recognises the leading professionals and businesses driving change across Australia's space sector, with 29 winners chosen out of over 160 finalists this year.

Under the direction of Professor Anna Moore, InSpace has driven a vision that brings together academia, government and industry to solve some of society's most pressing challenges – from climate and disaster resilience to national security and advanced manufacturing.

"This award is for everyone who believed in a new way to drive diverse university translation for the benefit of our industry and other partners to solve societal challenges," says Professor Anna Moore, Director ANU Institute for Space (InSpace). 

"Space capability is no longer a choice, it is a necessity, and I'm proud of the breadth and depth of the talent at the Australian National University upon which this story is built."

From left to right: InSpace Mission Specialist, Associate Professor David W Kim (ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences), InSpace Director Professor Anna Moore, InSpace Associate Director of Strategic Projects Dr Kate Ferguson and InSpace Strategic Project Manager Anupam Kumar Pilli. Photo: Space Connect

The 2025 University of the Year award adds to InSpace's collection of Australian Space Awards accolades. The institute was previously awarded Research Organisation of the Year in 2022 and Academic Institute of the Year in 2023. Professor Moore has also been individually recognised, winning Female Leader of the Year in 2021 and Executive of the Year in 2024.

Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), says that this track record of consecutive awards shows InSpace’s sustained excellence and growing influence in Australia's space industry. 

“The Institute’s success reflects its innovative approach to collaborative research and its commitment to translating academic expertise into real-world solutions that benefit both industry partners and society at large,” he says.

“InSpace’s continued recognition at the Australian Space Awards underscores its vital role in positioning Australia as a significant player in the global space economy.”

The award comes at what industry experts describe as a pivotal time for Australia's space sector, with the nation's space capabilities becoming increasingly critical for addressing complex societal challenges and maintaining strategic advantages in an evolving global landscape.

More information is available at Space Connect.