Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award in BBV/STI - Nomination Form 2026

Nominations for the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award in BBV/STI - Basic Science are now open and will close on 4 June 2026.

About Levinia Crooks
The Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award honours the inspirational legacy of former ASHM CEO Levinia Crooks, AM, in mentoring young leaders and bringing together the global HIV, BBV, and sexual and reproductive health sectors to create change. She was a pivotal figure in shaping the response to HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexual health in Australasia. Her significance lies in her ability to translate research, advocacy, and policy into meaningful improvements in care, access to treatment, and workforce capability.

Through her leadership as CEO of ASHM from 1999-2017, she strengthened the sector through education, training, and a clear focus on the needs of both communities and health professionals. Beyond her technical contributions, Levinia was widely recognised for her commitment to mentorship and her role in supporting the next generation of leaders. This award honours her enduring legacy and the standard she set for impactful, values-driven leadership.

Since 2018, the Award has been presented at ASHM conferences where winners are given the spotlight amongst international leaders in the sector. Former recipients have gone on to make significant contributions across research, community intervention, advocacy, and mentorship.

This year’s focus on basic science aims to highlight the essential role of basic scientists, whose work provides the foundation for every biomedical advancement in prevention, testing and treatment. The work of basic scientists is also fundamental in informing programming, supporting communities and the workforce. Hosting the conference in Melbourne, a basic science hub, provides us with a great opportunity to highlight and recognise the work of emerging leaders in this important field.

Award Prize
The winner of the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award will receive flights, accommodation and registration to the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference joint with Australasian Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference in Melbourne in September. The winner will also get the opportunity to present at the conference, as well as a 12-month complementary ASHM membership.

1. Free ASHM Ordinary Membership valid for 12 months. 
2. Full attendance to the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference joint with Australasian Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference to be held between the dates of 14-17 September 2026. 
3. Travel Return economy class flights to Melbourne.
4. Up to a maximum of 4 nights’ Accommodation.
5. Deliver a 10-minute oral presentation on receipt of the award at the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference joint with Australasian Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference.

Award Nomination Criteria
A professional working in the BBV/STI field with a focus on Basic Science in Australia or/and New Zealand (nominee can be a clinical or non-clinical based worker):

1. Early to mid-career (0-10 years working in the sector)
2. Demonstrated leadership achievement in areas including:

• • Leadership: Demonstrates bold, innovative and inclusive leadership that inspires collaboration across the sector.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Establishes, promotes and strengthens meaningful partnerships and collaborative opportunities to achieve outcomes.
  • Community and Person-Centred Impact: Considers the impact of their work on community-based care and person-centred outcomes.
  • Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice: Demonstrates commitment to ongoing development of knowledge and skills in the sector, applying evidence-based practice.
  • Advocacy: Undertakes or supports effective advocacy with government and/or regulatory bodies.
  • Teamwork: Shares responsibility, authority, information and credit when working toward the achievement of a goal.
  • Integrity: Leads with integrity, maintaining high personal and professional standards.

NOTE: Nomination is open to all, and not restricted by an active ASHM membership.

Nominations are assessed by a panel of adjudicators to determine a winner.

The nomination form has two parts:
Part 1 - Personal information and eligibility criteria questions.
Part 2 - Nomination questions (total 5) to demonstrate the nominee leadership in their career. Please provide evidence using specific, detailed examples.

ASHM will notify the winner by 7July 2026.