In a powerful moment for Blak excellence in academia, Aboriginal researcher Dr Teagan Shields has been awarded the Chancellor's Prize for Excellence in the PhD Thesis by the University of Melbourne.

Her work, Investigating systemic change to empower Indigenous Australians to manage culturally significant entities, redefines how Country is cared for — and who should lead that care.

The Chancellor's Prize is awarded annually to up to seven doctoral candidates whose research demonstrates international significance and enduring impact.

Dr Shields, who completed her PhD through the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, received the honour not just for her academic contribution, but for her unwavering commitment to Indigenous governance, knowledge, and Country.

Her work is a bold call to reimagine environmental legislation through Indigenous-led frameworks. She writes from the ground up — informed by years of experience working alongside First Nations communities, Elders, and rangers across the continent.

"We need to change the system, so Indigenous voices are at the centre of decision-making for Country," she said.

"This requires the devolution of decision-making to place-based and culturally informed processes and structures. The Indigenous Estate is vast and holds significant biodiversity values, yet Indigenous values are often left out of key decisions like Matters of National Environmental Significance, approval processes and priority species and places."

Through her thesis, Dr Shields analyses the limitations of Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 and offers pathways for transformation — introducing Indigenous governance models, measurable biocultural indicators, and policy reform proposals grounded in community realities.

One of the most impactful aspects of her work is a Bundjalung-led case study, which applies biocultural objectives to the management of culturally significant species. It not only demonstrates the strength of Indigenous science, but how it can be applied in real-world contexts to care for Country in culturally appropriate ways.

Dr Shields' journey in academia was shaped by those who came before her.

"I was very fortunate to have very supportive supervisors and strong Indigenous leadership throughout my academic journey," she said.

"A lot has changed in the academic space in the last 20 years – I am very grateful for the many strong Indigenous academics who came before me, carving the way for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and showing me, it is possible."

Her research was also deeply influenced by her time on Country with Traditional Owners and rangers, whose insights shaped both the priorities and the purpose of the work.

"These on-country experiences were a key driver for my research," she said.

"I want Indigenous Knowledge to inform decisions instead of being validated by Western Science. The depth of Knowledge about Country our rangers hold is immeasurable, I am always learning."

Receiving the Chancellor's Prize is both a personal and collective achievement for Dr Shields.

"It's an honour and I owe huge credit to my Indigenous co-authors, in particular Bundjalung mob who participated in the case study and so generously shared with me," she said.

"I hope other Indigenous Scholars can see themselves in science and know that Indigenous Knowledge is also highly valued outside of humanities fields."

Beyond the academic recognition, Dr Shields' motivation is rooted in her love for her family and her people. She dedicated her thesis to her sons — and to the next generation of cultural custodians.

"I hope that in 10–20 years' time our environmental legislation and policy better reflects Indigenous values, so we aren't having the same discussion in the environment space that has been happening for the last 20 years," she said.

"I really think by authorising the Indigenous voice, Country and people will become healthy and strong."

In an era defined by climate uncertainty, biodiversity decline, and ongoing struggles for justice, Dr Shields' Chancellor's Prize is more than a personal triumph.

It is a reminder of what is possible when Indigenous brilliance leads the way — and what the future could look like when Country is cared for through culture, truth, and respect.