Professor James Taylor, Australian Digital Futures Institute, University of Southern Queensland

Professor Taylor received the Award for his major role in transforming the character of and regard for external studies in higher education. He has been a relentless champion for excellence in open and distance education, supporting improved quality management and innovation in the theory and practice of this area over a long period, and playing a major role in breaking down the barriers between traditional and flexible approaches in learning and teaching. He has had a national and international impact in improving the reputation and quality of open, distance and flexible education.

Professor Graham Webb, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality), Monash University

Professor Webb received the award for his international standing in the theory and practice of teaching and learning, staff development and quality enhancement. He has assisted national quality agencies in various countries in the formation of their processes especially with regard to auditor training. He has worked internationally as an institutional consultant on quality management systems, and developed university quality management practices, including a suite of evaluation and review procedures and processes to underpin improvement in institutional learning and teaching practice.

Professor Geoff Scott, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality), University of Western Sydney.

Professor Scott received the Award for his enthusiasm and tireless advocacy for quality enhancement. His achievements in quality enhancement for Australian and international higher education include leading the team that produced the national analysis of comments from the CEQ. He works with a number of overseas countries on effective change management, quality assurance and the use of tracking and improvement systems for learning and teaching.

Professor Paul Ramsden, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Professor Ramsden, formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) at the University of Sydney, received the Award for his consistent efforts in promoting the quality of teaching and learning, such as the development of the CEQ and the introduction of the Teaching Dividend. Professor Ramsden's work has influenced quality assurance and enhancement practices not only in Australia, but around the world. This is not least manifested with his current position as Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.