Congratulations to Dr Amy Matthews who has been awarded the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research Supervision.

Awarded annually, the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervision is acknowledged for their outstanding achievements across various dimensions of excellence in supervision, including the extent and range of their supervision activities, positive outcomes for their students and their respect and support for students.

Nominated by two of her current PhD students, Dr Matthews says the award win is deeply meaningful as it reinforces her flexible and tailored approach to her students, which revolves around designing a scaffolded approach that is responsive to students’ changing needs during their studies.

One of Dr Matthew’s students describes her as “the most supportive, caring and motivating supervisor I have encountered in my academic career. Not only does Amy constantly provide support and encouragement to my research and career, but I have also witnessed how she fosters this with the entire academic community, the broader writerly community and to each student she teaches and mentors.”

“Amy is paramount to my success as a PhD student at Flinders University,” said another of Dr Matthews’ students. “Speaking to all of Amy’s strengths as a researcher and supervisor is incredibly difficult, as the list is never ending. I am, beyond a shadow of a doubt, incredibly grateful I am able to study with and alongside her, and am grateful, endlessly, for the support, guidance and insight she gives me as her student.”

Dr Matthews will be recognised for her outstanding contribution to HDR Supervision at the annual Staff Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 23 November in the Plaza at Bedford Park.

As part of her prize, Dr Matthews will deliver a professional development session to fellow HDR Supervisors as part of the HDR Supervisor Development Program in early 2024.