September 8, 2021

UOW Vice-Chancellor and alumnus win 2021 Advance Awards

Professor Patricia M. Davidson and Dr Sameer Dixit honoured for extraordinary impact on global stage

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson and alumnus Dr Sameer Dixit have both been announced as 2021 Advance Awards winners at a virtual ceremony today, Wednesday 8 September.

The Advance Awards, now in their 10th year, celebrate the work of Australians and Australian university graduates making an extraordinary impact on the global stage. This year’s winners were shortlisted from across 13 categories.

UOW Chancellor Christine McLoughlin AM, also one of Australia’s most respected business leaders, congratulated Professor Davidson and Dr Dixit for their achievements and said the awards were a reflection of the immense contributions they have made to society in their respective fields.

“It’s a proud feeling that Professor Davidson’s work, commitment to building a better society and leadership is being reflected through this award,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“Professor Davidson’s vision, experience and leadership is exemplary and is an asset for the University. Her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and workforce development is an inspiration to many.

“Dr Dixit’s work and his various social initiatives have not only made a positive impact in his home country, Nepal, but have made all of us at UOW proud of his achievements.”

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, congratulated Professor Davidson and praised her willingness and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

“Professor Davidson is truly a global leader, her commitment to make this world a better place through her work remains borderless,” Mr Sinodinos said.

“Professor Davidson played an important role in healthcare while she was the Dean of Nursing at Johns Hopkins in the U.S. and she is playing an equally important role here in Australia as the Vice- Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, taking the university to unparalleled heights.”

Ms Durapada Sapkota, Acting Ambassador, Embassy of Nepal, Canberra, congratulated Dr Dixit for making an extraordinary impact on the global stage through his work.

“Dr Dixit’s outstanding work is a result of a global collaboration driven by exceptional vision, ambition and willingness to make this world a better place,” Ms Sapkota said.

“We are proud of Dr Dixit’s ongoing efforts in science and public health in Nepal, a journey which he started here in Australia and which continues to make a positive impact in the lives of many people not only in Nepal but also globally.”

Professor Davidson, a UOW alumna herself, is a global leader in nursing, health care, and advocacy; her work focuses on person-centred care delivery and the improvement of cardiovascular health outcomes for women and vulnerable populations.

“I am truly humbled to have received this award,” Professor Davidson said.

“I believe that equal opportunities truly help people to develop their full potential and providing easy access to education, opportunities to invest in the community through various initiatives remain some of my key goals at UOW.”

Dr Sameer Dixit reminisced his wonderful journey in Australia and his close bond with the country and thanked the country for recognising his work.

“It has been an amazing journey so far in science and public health. I have always had a close bond with Australia, and to be professionally recognized by this wonderful country is an absolute privilege,” Dr Dixit said.