Professor Colin Jackson
Recipient, Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Supervision
College of Science and Medicine
Synopsis
Professor Jackson is an internationally recognised mentor of higher degree researchers who combines rigorous, research-focused supervision while placing the success and welfare of his students at the forefront. His supervision philosophy, with a focus on autonomy, creativity, and integrity, has helped mentor students into independent researchers and leaders with strong communication, scientific, and community-minded habits. Candidates co-develop individual development plans and a thesis roadmap with publishable milestones; they participate in regular group meetings and journal clubs, help build lab-resources that are freely shared with the community, and follow clear data and publication policies.
His track record is sustained and sector-wide. He has successfully supervised 28 PhD and 29 MSc/BSc (Hons) completions and mentored 15 early-career researchers; alumni now lead academic groups (e.g., UWA, Ottawa, Tel Aviv, Monash) and work across government labs (e.g., Australian Synchrotron), found start-up companies (e.g., Samsara Eco), work in science communication, consulting and venture capital (e.g. Main Sequence Ventures). As the ANU Node Leader in two ARC Centres of Excellence and Co-Director of the ANU Synthetic Biology Initiative (linking 30+ groups), he has helped create training pipelines, placements and networks that his students directly access. Strong industry partnerships support National Industry PhD internships and translation pathways.
He models the research process transparently: preprints, open repositories, code/data sharing, and invites candidates to lead, co-supervise and present nationally and internationally. He is unfailingly generous with time and credit, high expectations matched with pastoral care, and a consistent focus on outcomes that help students reach their potential.
(Photo by Tangyao Zhang)