Nominations open for 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize

From lived experience advocates to leading researchers, the Prize shines a spotlight on Australians changing the future of mental health.

The Australian Mental Health Prize has opened nominations for its 2026 awards, calling for Australians who have made outstanding contributions to mental health to be recognised for their leadership, advocacy, research and care.

Presented through a new collaboration between UNSW Psychiatry & Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), the Prize celebrates individuals and community leaders improving the mental health and wellbeing of Australians.

Now in its eleventh year, the Australian Mental Health Prize recognises achievement across four categories: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Lived Experience, Professional and Community Hero.

“Many dedicated Australians work tirelessly to improve mental health, and the Australian Mental Health Prize is an important way of acknowledging their contributions,” said Sophie Scott, Chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group and award-winning journalist and author.

“This new partnership brings together leading expertise in research, clinical care and advocacy, strengthening the Prize’s ability to recognise Australians creating meaningful change in mental health.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the Prize highlighted the importance of recognising Australians creating lasting impact in mental health.

“Through this collaboration between UNSW, the Black Dog Institute and NeuRA, we are proud to continue shining a light on innovation, compassion and leadership in mental health. The Prize reflects our shared commitment to improving lives and driving meaningful change for communities nationwide,” Prof. Brungs said.

Since its establishment by UNSW Sydney in 2016, the Prize has honoured clinicians, researchers, advocates, educators and peer leaders whose work has driven genuine progress in mental health awareness, treatment and support.

Recipients of the Prize have included Olympic champion and mental health advocate Ian Thorpe, Indigenous psychologist Professor Pat Dudgeon and former ACCC chair Professor Allan Fels.

“The Australian Mental Health Prize highlights the strength of collaboration, uniting UNSW, Black Dog Institute and NeuRA in a shared commitment to improving mental health. By bringing together Australia’s leading expertise in research, clinical care and lived experience, this partnership strengthens our ability to recognise excellence and support the individuals and communities whose work is making a real and lasting difference,” said Black Dog Institute Chief Scientist and Executive Director, Professor Sam Harvey.

Scientia Professor Matthew Kiernan AM, NeuRA CEO said, “NeuRA is proud to work in partnership with UNSW Sydney and Black Dog Institute to support the Australian Mental Health Prize. It plays such an important role in highlighting both the toll of mental health on society and the efforts of amazing individuals to alleviate it.

“Last year’s winners encapsulated the broad spotlight of the Prize, from grassroots campaigns which bring dignity to those suffering mental ill health, to decades of national advocacy – as well as the vital area of indigenous mental health.”