Boost the career of an emerging leader by nominating them for the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award.
Every year, ASHM’s Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award identifies and uplifts future key opinion leaders making an impact across blood-borne viruses (BBVs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual and reproductive health. The Award is given to those working in the sector who have demonstrated outstanding leadership while still early in their career.
To be eligible, nominees must be a healthcare professional working in the BBV, STI, or sexual and reproductive health fields in Australia or Aotearoa/New Zealand, and early to mid-career (less than 10 years in sector). Nominations are open to those working in both clinical and non-clinical based roles.
Nominations for the 2026 Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award in BBV/STI – Basic Science are now open and will close on 4 June 2026.
The work that basic scientists undertake provides the backbone 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 remerging leaders in this important field.
The recipients of the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award 2026 will receive:
– Free ASHM Ordinary Membership valid for 12 months.
– 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.
– Travel Return economy class flights to Melbourne.
– Up to a maximum of 4 nights’ Accommodation.
– Deliver a 10-minute oral presentation on receipt of the award at the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference joint with the Australasian Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference.
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 7 July 2026.
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.
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. Past winners are listed below.
Adjunct Associate Professor Levinia Crooks AM, Chief Executive Officer of ASHM from 1999 to 2017, was a uniting force for change and champion of people’s rights in the Australasian health sector for over 30 years.
She began in the 1980s supporting her friends and colleagues impacted by HIV/AIDS, conducting social research to inform the development of counselling and support services for people living with HIV. She also served as President of the AIDS Council of NSW and Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, as well as on the Board of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO, now named Health Equity Matters).
Her drive and focus on the needs of the workforce in HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexual health pioneered ASHM as a provider of high-quality resources and training. Levinia developed a wide range of educational resources and provided robust advocacy for many initiatives that resulted in increased access to HIV and viral hepatitis treatments.
In 2008 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to HIV policy, her care for people with HIV, and her contribution to health generally. In 2015 she was further honoured with the ACON President’s Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Levinia passed away on 16th October 2017 after a long and courageously fought illness. Levinia leaves us all a major and extensive legacy to carry forward and build upon, with countless lives in our region positively impacted by her energetic, pragmatic, visionary, brave and can-do approach. The Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award honours the mentorship and support Levinia provided to countless early and mid-career health professionals, and her significant contributions to the sector as a whole.
The above is based on ‘Vale Levinia Crooks’.
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