A Kiwi Triumph Across the Tasman: Roma Forbes Crowned Australia's Top University Teacher

New Zealander Roma Forbes has made headlines by clinching the prestigious 2025 Australian University Teacher of the Year award, a feat that underscores the exceptional talent emerging from New Zealand's higher education landscape. Hailing from the small coastal town of Ōpōtiki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, Forbes' journey from a physiotherapy student at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to a leading educator at the University of Queensland (UQ) exemplifies the trans-Tasman academic mobility that benefits both nations. Accepting the award in Canberra with her unmistakable Kiwi accent and touches of te reo Māori, she highlighted the power of student-centered teaching in transforming health education.

This accolade, part of the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) administered by Universities Australia since 1997, recognizes educators who excel in fostering student success and innovation. Forbes' win marks the seventh time a UQ academic has received this honor, affirming the university's status as Australia's most awarded for teaching excellence. For New Zealand audiences, her story resonates as a beacon of pride and a reminder of the opportunities—and challenges—in cross-border academic careers.

From Bay of Plenty Roots to Physiotherapy Expertise

Raised in Ōpōtiki amidst Te Whakatōhea iwi lands, Roma Forbes credits her early life for instilling resilience and a deep community focus. 'Coming from a background where higher education wasn’t the norm,' she shared, her values were shaped by navigating complex systems personally and professionally. After completing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at AUT, she moved to Australia 16 years ago initially as a clinical educator at UQ, planning a short stint but staying due to her partner's location there.

Today, as Associate Professor in UQ's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) for Student Experience and Success, Forbes oversees large cohorts of 200 physiotherapy students annually. Her role extends to directing the Australian Physiotherapy Council’s accreditation and representing Australia on the World Physiotherapy Education Committee. Despite her success Down Under, she admits missing New Zealand: 'I'm very tempted all the time to come home and help with our universities.'

Her career trajectory highlights a common path for many Kiwis: leveraging New Zealand qualifications in Australia's larger job market. With over 600,000 New Zealanders living in Australia, academic exchanges like hers strengthen bilateral ties under frameworks like the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2035.

The Legacy of the Australian Awards for University Teaching

Established in 1997 by the Australian Government, the AAUT celebrate outstanding contributions to student learning, leadership in education, and program innovation. Each year, winners are selected from university nominations, emphasizing impact on graduate outcomes and national workforce development. The 2025 cohort included excellence awards for UQ's Professor Jason Lodge and Dr Lynda Shevellar, alongside Forbes' top honor.

Forbes was lauded for her 'unique approach to health education, grounded in the strength of people, depth of relationships, and reciprocal commitment to community.' Drawing on her musculoskeletal physiotherapy expertise, she reimagines belonging and success, particularly for diverse student groups. UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry noted, 'Roma’s people-centred approach has been instrumental in positive graduate outcomes, supporting students to become confident, compassionate clinicians.'

Revolutionizing Physiotherapy Education Through Student Voices

Forbes' teaching philosophy centers on avoiding the 'lost in the crowd' feeling in large classes. 'We put students into spaces where they can work together, be valued, and contribute,' she explains. Her methods integrate real patient stories, authentic assessments, and group collaboration to build clinical confidence amid uncertainty—a key challenge in modern healthcare.

In physiotherapy, where students must handle complex cases like persistent pain, Forbes prioritizes individualized knowledge. She starts sessions by gauging students' preconceptions: 'What do they understand about chronic pain? Their experiences with family or grandparents?' This makes lessons 'easier and more fun,' fostering empathy and practical skills. Her innovations, informed by her PhD on enhancing physiotherapy students’ self-efficacy in patient education, have shaped national standards.

Previous accolades, including the 2021 AAUT Citation and HERDSA Fellowship, underscore her trajectory. Publications like her 2025 book Patient Education Essentials for Physiotherapy and over 100 journal articles on simulation, rural placements, and telehealth further amplify her influence.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Addressing Chronic Pain: A Critical Frontier in Health Education

Chronic pain affects millions across Australia and New Zealand, with misconceptions hindering effective care. In Australia, around 20% of adults experience persistent pain, straining healthcare systems. New Zealand reports similar rates, with Physiotherapy New Zealand advocating holistic approaches.

Forbes' focus equips graduates to educate patients compassionately, using pain neuroscience education (PNE) alongside traditional techniques. Her simulations debunk myths, promoting evidence-based narratives. This aligns with global shifts, as seen in programs like Otago University's Postgraduate Study in Pain Management and Sydney's pain courses.

By embedding intercultural perspectives—drawing from her Māori connections—Forbes ensures culturally safe practice, vital in diverse populations. Her work addresses workforce gaps, where physiotherapy demand rises amid aging demographics.

Trans-Tasman Talent Flow: Kiwis Powering Australian Academia

New Zealand academics like Forbes thrive in Australia due to larger funding pools and opportunities. While exact numbers are elusive, over 611,000 Kiwis reside there, many in professional roles. Trans-Tasman agreements facilitate seamless mobility, with NZ qualifications often recognized.

Challenges include brain drain for NZ universities facing staff shortages. Yet, successes like Forbes inspire reciprocity—many return enriched. Her story parallels others, boosting bilateral research in health sciences.

• Mutual recognition of degrees under Closer Economic Relations (CER).
• Joint initiatives like shared scholarships and exchanges.
• Growing physiotherapy student intakes: Australia sees rising graduate-entry programs; NZ has three providers serving 5 million.

For aspiring Kiwis, platforms like lecturer jobs highlight trans-Tasman openings.

Challenges in Higher Education Teaching Excellence

Teaching large cohorts demands innovation amid post-pandemic shifts. Attrition in physiotherapy remains low (<5% vs. 25% university average), but preparing for rural/remote practice and AI integration poses hurdles.

Forbes advocates evidence-informed leadership, influencing policy via her council roles. NZ mirrors this, with TEC reforms emphasizing student success.

Implications for New Zealand's Higher Education Sector

Forbes' win spotlights NZ talent globally, urging universities to invest in teaching awards like the Prime Minister's Excellence. With gender gaps narrowing (more female professors) but pay disparities, her model offers lessons in inclusive leadership.

Explore New Zealand university jobs or how to become a lecturer for pathways inspired by her journey.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Career Insights: Lessons from a Top Educator

Aspiring lecturers can learn from Forbes: prioritize relationships, integrate lived experiences, and collaborate. Her volunteer work in aged care reinforces community ties.

• Build self-efficacy through simulations.
• Foster belonging in diverse groups.
• Advocate for policy changes.

Check academic CV tips and rate my professor for peer insights.

Looking Ahead: Roma's Vision and Trans-Tasman Collaboration

Not ruling out a return, Forbes eyes contributing to NZ unis amid student allowance debates and lab reforms. Her success heralds stronger ANZ health education ties.

For job seekers, higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice pave the way. Post a vacancy at AcademicJobs recruitment.