Our prizes
The Distinguished Professor Patrick H M Loh Award in Crop and Pasture Science recognises the graduating student with outstanding academic achievement in the Crop and Pasture Sciences major.
About Distinguished Professor Patrick H M Loh
Award criteria
This is awarded for most outstanding achievement in Crop and Pasture Sciences based on best weighted average mark in the Crop and Pasture Science major by a graduating student. Eligibility is determined using highest weighted average mark for the following units: ENV243; ANS207; ANS208; ANS309; ANS311. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible.
If the highest ranked student is eligible for the academic achievement award for more than one agricultural science major (crop and pasture science plus either animal science or animal health), then the student shall be awarded the prize for their primary major and are ineligible for the award for the second major.
Award sponsor
Distinguished Professor Patrick HM Loh
Previous winners
2025 - Leonie Hankel
The David Miller Award for Excellence in Animal Science recognises academic performance in the Animal Science major.
The award honours David Miller's significant contribution to the development of the Animal Science program at Murdoch University, and his commitment to excellence in animal science education and research.
About David Miller
Associate Professor David Miller has made an outstanding contribution to animal science education, research and leadership at Murdoch University.
Trained in Agricultural Science and Animal Science at The University of Western Australia, he further developed his expertise through research and academic appointments in the United Kingdom, including at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Rowett Institute.His research interests spanned animal physiology, reproduction, behaviour, welfare and production systems, and he has taught and mentored generations of students across animal science, veterinary and biomedical programs.
David joined Murdoch University in 2005 and played a pivotal role in shaping and growing the animal science course. His leadership helped broaden the course to include wider agricultural sciences, strengthening the integration of animal production, welfare and physiology within contemporary agricultural education. He was instrumental in developing the highly successful Equine Science and Applied Animal Production minors, which have provided students with valuable specialised skills and industry-relevant learning experiences. David served as Head of Department and as Academic Chair for Animal Science and the Honours program.
This award recognises David's enduring impact on teaching, curriculum development and student success, and honours his contribution to advancing animal science and agricultural education at Murdoch University.
Award criteria
This is awarded for most outstanding achievement in Animal Science based on best weighted average mark in the Animal Science major by a graduating student. Eligibility is calculated based on highest WAM for the following units: ANS230; ANS333; ANS337; VET272; VET380; ANS221. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible.
If the highest ranked student is eligible for the academic achievement award for more than one agricultural science major (animal science plus either animal health or crop and pasture science), then the student shall be awarded the prize for their primary major and are ineligible for the award for the second major.
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science.
Previous winners
2025: Fong Lam Chew
The Award in Animal Health recognises the graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the Animal Health major. The award celebrates excellence in animal health studies and acknowledges students who have developed strong discipline knowledge.
Criteria
This is awarded for most outstanding achievement in Animal Health based on best weighted average mark in the Animal Health major by a graduating student. Eligibility is determined using highest weighted average mark for the following units: VET272; ANS313; ANS221; VET380; VET211; VET278; ANS306; VET392. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible.
If the highest ranked student is eligible for the academic achievement award for more than one agricultural science major (animal health plus either animal science or crop and pasture science), then the student shall be awarded the prize for their primary major and are ineligible for the award for the second major.
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science.
Previous winners
2025: Yan Tung Tsui
The Award in Agricultural Science recognises the graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science. The award celebrates excellence across the agricultural science program and acknowledges students who exemplify strong discipline knowledge and applied learning.
Criteria
This is awarded for most outstanding achievement in Agricultural Science based on best weighted average mark in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science by a graduating student. Eligibility is determined based on B1391 weighted average mark. The weighted average mark must include minimum of 48 credit points for units completed at Murdoch University. Students with more than 24 points advanced standing are excluded. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible.
The winner for this award is also eligible to be awarded the prize/award for academic achievement in one agricultural science major (animal science, animal health, or crop and pasture science).
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science.
Previous winners
2025: Fong Lam Chew
The Milne Agrigroup Prize in Animal Nutrition recognises the student who has demonstrated the strongest academic performance in Veterinary Nutrition and Animal Toxicology. The prize celebrates excellence in animal nutrition, applied learning, and the development of knowledge that supports animal health, productivity, and responsible agricultural practice.
Criteria
This is awarded for best academic performance in VET380 Veterinary Nutrition and Animal Toxicology. Eligibility is determined by highest calculated unit grade for VET380. If there are two students with equal final unit mark: award is presented to the student with highest final exam mark. Students that have previously failed VET380 are ineligible for the award on subsequent attempts.
Award sponsor
Milnes Agrigroup
Previous winners
2025: Fong Lam Chew
The Sue Dilley Memorial Award recognises the student who has achieved the highest overall mark in Introduction to Livestock Science and Genetics.
The award celebrates academic excellence in foundational livestock science and honours Sue Dilley's contribution to supporting student success in veterinary and animal science.
Criteria
This is awarded for best academic performance in ANS101 Introduction to Livestock Science and Genetics. Elibility is determined based on the highest calculated unit grade for ANS101. If there are two students with equal final unit mark: award is presented to the student with highest final exam mark. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible for this award. Students that have previously failed ANS101 are ineligible for the award on subsequent attempts.
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science
Previous winners
2025: Clarissa Chiong
The Andrew Thompson Award for Excellence in Animal Science Research recognises an outstanding undergraduate student enrolled that demonstrates excellence in sheep research, commitment to high-quality animal care, and active engagement in the conduct of research projects.
The award honours Andrew Thompson's significant contribution to sheep research, animal science education, and the advancement of animal production science.
About Professor Andrew Thompson
Professor Andrew Thompson is a nationally and internationally recognised sheep scientist whose career has had a profound impact on sheep production and livestock research in Australia. Through his leadership in research, industry engagement and education, he has advanced knowledge of applied sheep nutrition, productivity, reproduction and whole-farm production systems, helping producers improve flock performance and profitability while supporting the long-term sustainability of the sheep industry.
At Murdoch University, Andrew played a leading role in strengthening sheep and livestock research and fostering strong partnerships between the University, industry and producers. His commitment to translating research into practical outcomes has influenced sheep management and production systems across Western Australia and beyond. He has also mentored and inspired generations of animal science students, researchers and industry professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their own fields.
This award recognises Andrew's exceptional contribution to sheep research, education and industry development. Named in his honour, it celebrates excellence in animal science and encourages students to pursue innovation and impact in livestock industries.
Criteria
The award will be presented annually to the student who:
(a) Achieves the highest mark for the major animal science research project report in ANS333; and
(b) Receives endorsement from the supervising academic staff confirming that the student (i) actively participated in the planning and/or conduct of the experiment; (ii) demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout the project; (iii) consistently upheld high standards of animal welfare and care; (iv) showed professionalism, initiative and responsible behaviour while working with animals and peers.
Both criteria (a) and (b) must be satisfied for the award to be conferred
Staff involved in supervising the ANS333 research project will review the student's practical contribution. Staff will provide written confirmation that the student actively participated in the experiment and demonstrated exemplary care of animals.
If two students obtain the same mark for the project report, then the highest ranked student will be determined by overall unit mark for ANS333.
If the highest-scoring student does not meet the practical participation criterion, the award may be offered to the next highest-ranked student who satisfies all requirements. Students that have previously failed the ANS333 are ineligible for the award on subsequent attempts. Students with academic misconduct findings are ineligible.
The conditions for award are reviewed annually by the School Dean and/or Animal Science Academic Chair to determine the eligible unit, project or assessment.
The School reserves the right not to confer the award in a given year.
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science
The Kevin Bell Award for Student Leadership in Agricultural Science recognises an undergraduate student who has made an outstanding contribution to the School of Agricultural Science community through leadership, service, industry engagement and support of fellow students. The award honours Kevin Bell's significant contribution to agricultural research, education and leadership, and his legacy as a respected mentor and champion of Agricultural Science.
About Kevin Bell
Professor Kevin Bell was a highly respected educator, mentor and leader whose contribution to veterinary and agricultural science at Murdoch University spanned decades. Known for his unwavering support of students, colleagues and the wider agricultural community, Kevin played a pivotal role in shaping animal science education and inspiring future generations of agricultural professionals.
Throughout his career, Kevin championed student success, encouraged leadership, and fostered a strong sense of community within the School. He was widely admired for his curiosity, intellect, generosity, integrity and genuine interest in helping others achieve their potential. His influence extended far beyond the univeristy through his mentorship, industry engagement and commitment to advancing agricultural science in Western Australia.
The Kevin Bell Award for Student Leadership in Agricultural Science honours Kevin's enduring legacy by recognising a student who demonstrates the leadership, service, professionalism and commitment to others that he exemplified throughout his career.
Criteria
The award will be presented annually to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the School community through sustained contributions in one or more of the following areas:
(a) Active involvement and leadership within the Murdoch Agricultural Students' Society (MASSA)
(b) Participation in School, College, or University activities that enhance the student experience.
(c) Engagement with industry through field days, conferences, professional events, industry networking activities, or industry promotion of the School.
(d) Contribution to outreach, recruitment, community engagement, or extension activities.
(e) Mentoring, supporting, or advocating for fellow students.
(f) Demonstrating professionalism, inclusiveness, and a commitment to strengthening the Agricultural Science community.
Academic performance may be considered, but is not the primary criterion for the award.
Nominations may be submitted by academic staff, professional staff, students, industry partners, or MASSA representatives. Nominations must provide evidence of the nominee's contribution to the School community and broader agricultural sector.
A selection panel appointed by the Head of School will review nominations and determine the recipient. The panel will consider:
(a) the breadth and impact of the student's contributions;
(b) leadership demonstrated through activities and initiatives;
(c) commitment over time; (d) contribution to student culture and community; and
(e) engagement with industry and external stakeholders.
The School reserves the right not to confer the award in any year.
Award sponsor
School of Agricultural Science
How you can support us
The School of Agricultural Science welcomes partnerships with alumni, industry organisations, professional bodies, philanthropists and community members who share our commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Through prizes and awards, donors can celebrate excellence in academic performance, leadership, innovation, community engagement, industry involvement and specialised areas of agricultural science.
These awards not only recognise outstanding student achievement but also encourage and inspire students as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector.
We welcome opportunities to support existing awards or establish new prizes that reflect the values, priorities and legacy of our partners. Whether you wish to recognise excellence in a particular discipline, honour an individual, strengthen connections with future professionals or invest in the future of agriculture, we would be delighted to work with you.
To learn more about sponsoring an existing prize or creating a new award, please contact the Murdoch University Philanthropy Team. philanthropy@murdoch.edu.au
How to apply
Ready to apply? Get started with applying for your preferred Murdoch course.
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