The Professor Helen Christensen Medal for Breakthrough Research

Named after Professor Helen Christensen a ground-breaking Australian mental health researcher, leader and former ASPR (SMHR) President. This award will be for landmark or large-scale studies or breakthrough research that is of high national or international significance. Nominations from the award can come either from the individual being nominated or any member of SMHR can nominate someone that they believe deserves the award.

• The award is evaluated by a panel of the SMHR Executive Committee. The committee will consider the research/trial/study that has been put forward and consider the impact that the research has had. There is no requirement to include a CV of the nominee for this award. The award recognises the importance of step-change, large vision research to mental health research more generally. 
• The nominated individual must be a paid-up member of SMHR by the closing date for the award.  
• SMHR Executive Committee members are not eligible for this award while they are on the committee. 

Details of the award: The award includes a certificate which will be presented at the Joint 2026 SMHR and ASBDD conference, $1000 travel support (contingent on attendance) as well as complimentary conference registration. The awardee will be featured on the SMHR website. 

Obligation: The successful applicant may be required to present at the Joint 2026 SMHR and ASBDD conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.

To submit an application please download and complete the below form and then click on the submit application button below. 

Application Form: The Professor Helen Christensen Award

Due date: 29 June 2026 by 5pm AEST
Applications will not be considered after this deadline.

Successful applicants will be advised by late July.