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Asia Pacific design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon’s Chief Executive Officer Louise Adams has been recognised with a 2025 University of South Australia Alumni Award for outstanding achievements and contributions in STEM.
The prestigious awards celebrate exceptional alumni who have made significant contributions globally, showcasing the most distinguished members of UniSA’s community.
Adams was recognised for her pioneering leadership within the STEM industry, including her recent appointment as Aurecon’s Group Chief Executive Officer, being the first female Executive Director on Aurecon’s Global Board, driving innovation globally and championing equality and diversity in STEM.
Aurecon Chief Executive Officer Louise Adams said she was honoured to receive such an esteemed award from an institution that holds great significance to her.
“Since graduating from UniSA with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) 26 years ago, I have been fortunate to travel and work across the world and achieve an enormous amount in my career but none of that would have been possible without the strong foundations I learnt at university,” Adams said.
“It was at UniSA that I looked around and realised I was only one of two females in our graduating class. While there’s still a way to go, I’m delighted that we are moving the needle on encouraging more people across the board to adopt engineering as a profession.
“The world is facing some complex, sticky challenges and we need more people working in STEM, including engineers to solve problems such as climate change, water security and decarbonisation. Engineering is an intensely rewarding, invigorating profession and I would encourage all those interested to explore it further.”
UniSA’s Chief Advancement Officer Dr Colin Taylor said Louise was a source of inspiration for students, staff and fellow alumni alike, particularly those working in STEM careers.
“Louise is a trailblazer for the engineering industry. She has helped shaped the future of engineering, uplifting communities through transformative projects and visionary leadership, and influenced the career paths of countless STEM professionals,” Taylor said.
“Our Alumni Awards highlight the lasting contributions generated by our graduates both in Australia and around the world and celebrate the phenomenal impact that Louise has achieved in her 25-year career since graduating.”
"We are proud to count Louise amongst UniSA’s alumni community, now and into the future."
Dr Colin Taylor, Chief Advancement Officer, UniSA
All seven recipients of this year’s Alumni Awards are recognised equally for reflecting UniSA’s core values of relevance, equity, and excellence, serving as proud ambassadors of the University’s vibrant and diverse community. For more information on recipients, visit the UniSA website.
Group Director, Brand, Marketing & Communications
Aurecon has been named in the AFR Boss Most Innovative Companies list for 10 consecutive years, reflecting sustained investment in innovation to solve complex problems.
Aurecon Design Academy wins Best in Class at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, celebrating the company's decade-long investment in developing its people.
Aurecon wins multiple honours at Engineers Australia's state and territory Excellence Awards, including Project of the Year for Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
