SERA Awards 2026
SERA is calling for entries across four awards recognising excellence in ecological restoration. All applications are submitted via the conference portal - the same process as submitting a conference abstract. Shortlisted entrants will be asked to produce
a short video showcasing their project, to be shown when awards are presented at the SERA conference in Adelaide (19–21 October 2026).
The Four Awards
To learn more about each award, please click the "read more" button for each.
Award | Category | Prize (AUD) | Learn More | Submit your nomination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Award 1 - SERA Award for Ecological Restoration Excellence | Large project (>50 ha) | $1,500 | ||
Award 2 - SERA Award for Ecological Restoration Excellence | Small project (<50 ha) | $1,500 | ||
Award 3 - SERA Koonamore Student Award | Student research in ecological restoration | $1,000 | ||
Award 4 - Albert Morris Award for an Outstanding Ecological Restoration project | Joint award with AABR and ANPC; natural regeneration and ecosystem services focus | No cash prize (trophy/ recognition) |
Awards Timeline
Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Applications Open | August 2026 | Please submit your application via the conference portal |
Applications Close | 7 September 2026 | |
Finalists Contacted | Week commencing 28 September 2026 | |
Awards Events | 21 October 2026 | Final day of SERA conference, Adelaide |
Contact
SERA Board Member and Awards lead - Jen Ford - ecojenford@gmail.com
Previous Award Winners
SERA Board Member and Awards lead - Jen Ford - ecojenford@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a SER/SERA member to apply?
No. Membership is not required to enter any of the four awards.
Is there a limit on how old my project can be?
No. Projects of any age are eligible — in fact, older projects may have more monitoring data to demonstrate long-term results.
Can I apply if I was a finalist or winner in a previous year?
Yes. Previous finalists and winners are welcome to reapply, including with an updated version of the same project.
How do I apply?
All applications are submitted via the conference portal, using the same process as submitting a conference abstract.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, there is no application fee.
What happens if my project is shortlisted?
You’ll be contacted directly and asked to prepare a short video showcasing your project. These videos are shown during the awards presentation at the SERA conference.
Who judges the awards?
The SERA Award for Ecological Restoration Excellence (large, small, and student categories) is judged by three SERA Board members. The Albert Morris Award is judged jointly by one representative each from SERA, AABR, and ANPC.
What’s the difference between the Large and Small Project categories?
Project size — Large is greater than 50 hectares, Small is under 50 hectares. Both categories are judged against the same criteria.
Is the SERA Koonamore Student Award only for PhD students?
It’s aimed at students in an advanced program of study relevant to ecological restoration — typically PhD candidates, though other advanced research students may apply. Applicants must be currently enrolled at the time of application.
Can I apply to more than one award, or enter more than one project?
Yes, you can.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open August 2026 and close 7 September 2026 or as decided by SERA.
When and where are the awards presented?
At the SERA conference in Adelaide, on the final day (21 October 2026).
