Addiction researcher wins coveted international accolade
Congratulations to Professor Daniel King for receiving the 2026 Great Achievement Award for the Study of Behavioral Addictions, at an event in Türkiye last week.
The award, presented by the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Addictions, honours those who’ve made a major contribution to the field of addiction science.
Professor King’s work focuses on advancing understanding of digital addictions, such as online gaming, simulated gambling and social media. With more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, Professor King is a leading expert in the field and is helping influence digital addiction research, policy and clinical practices.
Children’s health advocate named Firefly Children’s Foundation Fellow
Congratulations to Dr Brittany Johnson who has been named a Firefly Children’s Foundation Fellow for 2026, for her work helping to build a healthier future for Australian children by rethinking how we feed kids at school.
Dr Johnson’s research explores the potential to shift away from parent-packed school lunchboxes to school-provided lunches that are not only nutritious but something children will actually eat. This would also take some pressure off families who are juggling busy lives and financial pressures.
The Fellowship will enable her to keep researching ways to help kids eat well and build the evidence needed to support a sustainable school lunch system in Australia.
Dr Johnson’s research shows Australian children are getting between zero and one serve of vegetables in their daily school lunchboxes, despite needing around five serves a day, demonstrating a need to establish nourishing eating habits that can support lifelong health.
Cybersecurity expert honoured on the international stage
Congratulations to Associate Professor Elena Sitnikova who has received the 2026 ISC2 Global Achievement Award (Asia-Pacific region) in the Inclusion Impact Category.
Associate Professor Elena Sitnikova has been honoured with the prestigious international award for her leadership in critical infrastructure cybersecurity, helping strengthen the security, resilience, and trustworthiness of systems essential to Australia’s critical infrastructure and societal wellbeing.
She continues to mentor industry professionals and emerging researchers and works tirelessly to advance gender equity in the field.
“I am very proud of this internationally prestigious recognition, which reflects not only my professional achievements in critical infrastructure but … the impact of my work in helping shape the next generation of the cybersecurity workforce,” Associate Professor Sitnikova said.