UNSW Canberra Academic Dr Oleksandra Molloy from the School of Science was announced as the winner of Academic of the Year at last week's 2025 Australian Defence Industry Awards.
UNSW Canberra Academic Dr Oleksandra Molloy from the School of Science was announced as the winner of Academic of the Year at last week's 2025 Australian Defence Industry Awards.
“Receiving the Academic of the Year award at the Australian Defence Industry Awards is an incredible honour – a major recognition of the work I am passionate about. I am looking forward to continuing collaboration with industry and defence to develop practical, scalable, and forward-thinking solutions, by combining real-world challenges with cutting edge research,” Dr Molloy said.
Hosted by Defence Connect, the awards recognise standout individuals and organisations shaping Australia’s defence sector. The program honours academic institutions, innovators, executives, and leaders across fields like aerospace, cyber, Indigenous and female leadership, and technical excellence.
Dr Molloy is a Senior Lecturer in Human Factors and Aviation Safety, Academic Board Member, and lead of the Human Factors Research Lab at UNSW Canberra’s School of Science.
A distinguished researcher, Dr Molloy led the first evidence-based study on drone use in the Ukraine conflict, which was commissioned by the Australian Army Research Centre. She is currently developing AI-based cognitive load monitoring systems for mission operators in collaboration with CAE Australia.
No stranger to award-winning recognition, Dr Molloy recently earned accolades both in Australia and abroad, including:
Recognition at the Australian Defence Industry Awards is a notable professional and institutional distinction. Dr Molloy’s finalist status alongside her award wins in related forums reflects her leadership in translating academic insights into training, policy, and mission-critical applications.