Our students and staff are consistently recognised for their excellence in wildlife and scientific illustration. Graduating from the only university in Australia to offer a specialised program in natural history illustration, our students produce prize-winning work that is highly regarded in Australia and around the world.

Recent awards and recognition:

Australian Entomological Society Illustration Awards

In 2006, the University of Newcastle swept the field in the Australian Entomological Society Illustration and Photographic Competition, with our students winning all six awards in the Illustration categories. Open to students across Australia, this major insect illustration competition provides an opportunity for the winning entrants to have their work published in the Entomological Society's journal Myrmecia.

Margaret Senior Wildlife Awards

Awarded to the top senior student in Natural History Illustration, the Margaret Senior Wildlife Illustration Award is a prestigious prize that in 2007 was won by Elizabeth Oldfellow. The award recognises excellence in wildlife illustration, and is jointly supported by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service and a bequest by the late Margaret Senior.

William Fletcher Trust Grants

In 2006, two third year Natural History Illustration students were awarded grants from the William Fletcher Trust. Christine Rockley and Jessica Miller each received grants valued at $1250 and $1000 respectively after their work was judged against that of students from eight institutions throughout NSW by a panel from the William Fletcher Trust. The object of the Trust is to promote Fletcher's work, to assist the development and advancement of young talented artists in need and to further the cause of art education in New South Wales.

Christine and Jessica received two of the eight grants awarded by the William Fletcher Trust in 2006.

Jill Smythies Prize

In 2005, former honours student Lesley Elkan was the 2005 recipient of the Jill Smythies Prize. This prize is awarded for: "published illustrations that are produced in aid of plant identification and with an emphasis on botanical accuracy and the accurate portrayal of diagnostic characteristics". The prize is made in honour of Florence Mary (Jill) Smythies and is funded by a family bequest to the Linnean Society, London. Lesley's prize included a return airfare to London and a £ 500 prize. Lesley now works as a botanical illustrator at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.