A research team from the University of the Sunshine Coast, led by Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms, spent more than 10 years developing the single-dose vaccine to help protect koalas from chlamydia.
It has now been named a finalist for a People’s Choice Award in the Universities Australia 2025 Shaping Australia Awards.
“We’re thrilled that our research project has been named as a finalist in this year’s Shaping Australia Awards. It’s an honour for our work to be recognised alongside the 14 other finalists across the country,” Professor Timms said.
“Many groups and collaborators have helped us along the way and we’re grateful for the support of wildlife hospitals, field veterinary teams and Federal, New South Wales and Queensland governments, local councils and many generous donors,” he said.
“Of course, this vaccine is only one part of the answer to protecting our koalas, and there is much more work to be done to give them every chance at survival.”
The vaccine has now been approved by Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator for use in wildlife hospitals, veterinary clinics and in the field to help reduce the effects of chlamydial disease in the nation’s most at-risk koalas, a major milestone in the fight against one of the biggest threats to the long-term survival of Australia’s iconic marsupial.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the research project is an example of the University’s commitment to working in partnership to solve some of the world’s biggest health and environmental challenges.
“This nomination is testament to Professor Timms and his team and their dedication to turn scientific research into a real solution to safeguard the future of koalas in Australia,” Professor Bartlett said.
“It’s also a recognition of UniSC’s support and investment in making impact through our collaborations with government, industry and philanthropic partners in Australia and across the globe,” she said.
The vaccine has been nominated in The Problem Solver Award category. Two winners per category will be awarded – one voted by Australian public as the People’s Choice, and one selected by a panel of judges.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until 19 January 2026. The winners will be announced in February 2026
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