SERA is calling for entries across four awards recognising excellence in ecological restoration. All applications are submitted via the conference portal. 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).

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed here.
Terms and Conditions can be viewed here.

The Awards — quick reference guide

Award Category Prize (AUD)
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)

Timeline

Date Milestone
2 August 2026 Awards launched
7 September 2026 Applications close
Week commencing – 28 September 2026 Finalists contacted
21 October 2026 Awards event

Contact

SERA Board Member and Award Lead – Jen Ford via ecojenford@gmail.com

The SERA Award for Ecological Restoration Excellence

This award acknowledges individuals or organisations that have made a significant, enduring or internationally recognised contribution to the science and/or practice of ecological restoration through achieving high standards of practice at a site or the development of innovative new approaches, methods and/or strategies for involving the public in restoration efforts.

Subcategories:

1.   Larger scale (i.e. 50ha and greater) 
2.   Smaller scale (i.e. below 50 ha) 

Criteria: Projects must demonstrate the following characteristics:

  • Planning, implementation and monitoring appropriate to the scale of the project
  • Secure engagement with local stakeholders
  • Adoption of a locally indigenous ecosystem as a reference or target
  • Sustainable size or potentially effective linkage with other ecosystems
  • Designed adaptability to climate change
  • Evidence that recovery processes have commenced on the site and that there is potential for comprehensive recovery

Eligibility: Any individual or group of individuals or organisation in Australasia is eligible.

APPLY HERE
3. SERA Koonamore Student Award

This award recognises students that have made a significant impact in advancing the theory, practice, and/or public awareness of restoration through innovative research, tools, publications or technologies.

Criteria: The nominee must have demonstrated at least one of following in the development of:

  • New approaches to restoration;
  • Innovative research into restoration methods, tools, criteria or standards; 
  • Integration of volunteers in restoration programs; 
  • Increased public awareness of ecosystem restoration; or
  • Use of traditional knowledge in restoration planning or outcomes.

Eligibility: Any enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate student (or within one year of completion) in the field of restoration ecology from a higher learning institution (technical colleges, universities or similar) in Australasia.

APPLY HERE

4. Albert Morris Award for an Outstanding Ecological Restoration project

This award celebrates well-established ecological restoration projects or programs that have outstanding ecological and social outcomes and is established in honour of Albert Morris, pioneer botanist and designer of arguably the earliest intentional restoration project that harnesses natural regeneration as the main means of recovery. This project was initiated by Albert and the Barrier Field Naturalists’ Club and carried out in the mid 1930s in Broken Hill (NSW) to reverse desertification in the town common surrounding the city. Its results are evidenced by the green swathe of native vegetation that surrounds the city today.  

Presented jointly with Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) and Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC).

Criteria: Projects must demonstrate the following characteristics:

  • Substantial social benefits
  • Planning, implementation and monitoring appropriate to the scale of the project
  • Secure engagement with local stakeholders
  • Adoption of a locally indigenous ecosystem as a reference or target
  • Sustainable size or potentially effective linkage with other ecosystems
  • Designed adaptability to climate change
  • Evidence that recovery processes have commenced on the site and that there is potential for comprehensive recovery

Eligibility: Any individual or group of individuals or organisation in Australasia is eligible.

APPLY HERE