This year marks a significant milestone in the history of the Institute—its 10th anniversary since being established in 2015.
In December, the Institute celebrated its many outstanding achievements over the past decade. The Institute was honoured to be joined by several key organisational partners, who shared their reflections on the social impact of our research work. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many ADI staff, members, students, and stakeholders who have all contributed to building the successful, vibrant and dynamic Institute it is today.
A decade of research excellence and continual growth
Deakin Distinguished Professor Mansouri, the founding and current Director of the Institute, reflected:
“It’s been a most thrilling journey, full of amazing success stories, with our fair share of challenges, but overall a journey that produced over $60 Million in external research income including well over 100 ARC grants; thousands of high impact publications; hundred of books; almost 200 PhD completions; many thousands of media outputs with national and international media outlets; and countless high impact conferences and other dissemination activities including our signature ADI annual Orations which hosted most recently the Hon. Dr Anne Aly.”
As part of the occasion, Acting Executive Dean, Distinguished Professor Andrea Witcomb, who was also foundational in the establishment of the Institute, presented Institute Research Awards to staff for 2025:
ADI Early Career Researcher Award: Dr Mia Martin Hobbs
ADI Mid-Career Researcher Award: Dr Molly McCarthy
ADI HDR Supervisor Award: Associate Professor Antonia Pont
ADI Research Excellence Award: Professor Stephane Shepherd
Professor Witcomb also reflected on the success and legacy of the Institute, in creating the conditions for so many researchers to flourish and become experts in their fields.
Professor Mansouri—Director of the Institute since he was invited to the role in 2015—was also acknowledged for his leadership and outstanding contribution to the Institute, with speeches from Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh and Professor Michelle Grossman, who presented him with a gift on behalf of the Institute.
The importance of partnerships and collaboration
Deakin Distinguished Professor Mansouri spoke about the beginnings of the Institute, thanking colleagues for their immeasurable contribution of researchers, professional staff and partners over the life of the Institute, which up until this year has been affectionately known as ADI (Alfred Deakin Institute). A number of partners were invited to offer their reflections on their relationship with the Institute and the impact of their collaborations:
- Carmel Guerra, CEO and Soo-Lin Quek, Strategic Innovation Adviser, Centre for Multicultural Youth
- Ahmet Keskin, CEO, Australian Intercultural Society
- Hakan Akyol, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation Research Trust
- Farah Farouque, CEO, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria
All of the partners shared heartwarming stories of their long connections with the Institue, and the value of the research relationship to their advocacy and work. The celebration ended with a birthday cake and great conversations with friends old and new, in keeping with the community spirit of the Institute.
Share