Revealed during the AIEC Conference in Adelaide on October 11, winners included a former CISA president, a student experience champion with a career spanning three decades and an initiative connecting international students directly with employers.

Aisla Lamont and Eliza Chui were jointly recognised in the Distinguished Contribution to International Education award for their significant contributions to the sector during their careers.

The organisation said Lamont’s work to address the issue of climate change has been exceptional, while Chui – who has held wide-ranging leadership roles at Charles Sturt University, CQU, University of Adelaide, as well as Austrade – has seen her drive the Australian Government’s trade and investment promotion.

Over 30 years, Debra Langton – who was award the Leadership recognition – has “embodied leadership through her formal and voluntary positions”, IEAA said.

“While many leaders in international education have come through an academic or recruitment path, Deb’s contribution has primarily been through the student experience, making her a unique and outstanding professional,” the organisation added.

Claire Field won the award for Excellence in Professional Commentary Related to International Education, Joanne Barker the Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis prize for her research on the value of international scholarship programs and the NSW Jobs Connect for International Students from Study NSW and Seek the Best Practice in International Education category.

Stephen Connelly, former IEAA board member and sector stalwart, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the international education sector as he received the Life Membership award.

The subscription-based #TheSocialSource product, which seeks to mitigate negative sentiment and inform student support initiatives, policy, advocacy, was recognised in the innovation category.

Varsha Devi Balakrishnan is a “voice our sector listens to”, IEAA said. Photo: IEAA

Former president of CISA and now head of Student Insights and Strategy at TLG, Varsha Devi Balakrishnan is a “voice our sector listens to”, IEAA said, as she received the Rising Star award.

“After another challenging year for the international education community, we continue to see amazing innovations and outstanding contributions from colleagues,” Ren Yi, Vice President of IEAA said. “It is important that we take a moment to reflect on these achievements and celebrate their successes together.”

“So much of the work that I’ve done was in collaboration with so many other people”

Speaking with the PIE, Lamont said she was “absolutely thrilled” to get the recognition. “I’m still on a high. It was amazing.”

Lamont, who has recently launched new business venture, the Climate Action Barometer for international education, acknowledged the work of her colleagues at CANIE, which she previously led.

“I feel a little bit like a fraud because obviously so much of the work that I’ve done was in collaboration with so many other people… There’s so many people putting all their time and effort into [CANIE]. I suppose I was the face of it, so I think I benefited from that.”

The full list of winners is available on the IEAA website.