Engineering solutions that put people first: introducing the 2025 McCusker Prize recipients

Three outstanding humanitarian engineering student teams from The Australian National University (ANU) have been recognised for innovations that show how engineering can advance dignity, equity and practical impact. 

The winners of the 2025 McCusker Humanitarian Engineering Prize – an award supporting students making meaningful social impact – were announced at the McCusker Institute’s end of year Thought Leaders Exchange. 

Held in the RSSS Auditorium on 27 November, the event brought together staff, students, alumni, educators, and industry leaders for an evening of ideas and celebration. The Honourable Julie Bishop, Chancellor of ANU, delivered an opening address highlighting the need for graduates who are future ready, inclusive, and equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Humanitarian Engineer Professor Robert Care AM from RedR Australia followed with reflections on the values and real-world impact at the heart of humanitarian engineering. 

The McCusker Institute’s Thought Leaders Exchange explores new ways of learning that prepare young people to create positive social change. Through real-world examples, the program highlights how practical skills and community collaboration can help solve humanitarian problems. It also encourages the broader University community to engage with social issues and connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges. 

Recognising emerging leaders in humanitarian engineering 

Humanitarian engineering at ANU applies engineering and technology to improve the quality of life and human well-being for all – by supporting disaster response, mitigating risk and driving long-term development, both in Australia and overseas. 

The McCusker Prize acknowledges and celebrates the impact humanitarian engineering students have already made while encouraging them to extend their work in the community. 

Each project reflects the McCusker Institute’s mission to inspire active contributors to society and raise awareness of urgent social challenges. Every recipient receives $7,000 from the McCusker Foundation. 

Meet the 2025 prize recipients 

This year’s prize recipients showcased projects focused on accessibility, inclusivity, and disaster resilience, spanning engineering and computing disciplines. Among 15 strong contenders, three teams stood out.

Project Ver 

By Sam Eckton, Sarah Turner, Harriet Furphy, Andrej Videnovic, Callum Edmiston

Project Ver is a wearable AI device designed to assist people with low to no vision to navigate environments that are often not designed with accessibility in mind. The tool observes the wearer’s surroundings and converts what it sees into helpful audio guidance. 

The team began their work in 2024 and conducted user trials this year in collaboration with Guide Dogs Victoria. Project Ver has also been selected for the national showcase at the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE) conference in early December.

Connectivity for Community Disaster Resilience 

By Lily McPherson, Liam McPherson, Jerry Yu, Stana Fernandez, Aananya Jha and James Menham 

This project aims to reduce flood risk and protect human life by improving access to timely, reliable flood information for regional and rural communities. The team is building an affordable communication and data-collection network that continues to operate even when power, mobile service, and satellite coverage are disrupted during floods. 

This year, two team members spent a week with community partners in the NSW Northern Rivers to share knowledge and begin testing prototypes in real-world conditions.

Eko 

By Wei Lerr Wong and Anneysha Sarkar 

Eko is a smart-glasses system designed to ensure safety, dignity and communication for children with speech disabilities. Children can use the glasses to signal distress instantly and comfortably. By working closely with speech pathologists and early childhood educators, the team is addressing needs unmet by adult-oriented assistive devices. 

Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for the 2025 McCusker Prize in Humanitarian Engineering. Your creativity, compassion and technical excellence show what engineering can achieve when centred on humanity and are responding to real needs. 

Learn more about the McCusker Prize in Humanitarian Engineering at ANU