Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, widely known as Dr Suja Shan, has been recognised with the 2026 ACT Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 35 years of contribution to nursing education, research, clinical practice, professional leadership and community advocacy.
The award was presented as part of the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards, which recognise women and gender-diverse people whose work has created lasting positive change across the Australian Capital Territory and beyond. Dr Shan was among four winners announced in the 2026 awards, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr Shan is a Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Canberra, where her work spans teaching, research and scholarship. Her professional experience has included acute care, aged care and palliative care, while her academic interests include nursing education, dementia care, chronic illness and palliative care.
Her career has also been closely connected with gerontology, the study of ageing and older people. The ACT Government recognised her contribution to dementia care and aged care practice, while highlighting her role as Chair of the Australian College of Nursing ACT Region, where she uses her experience to support professional practice and knowledge within nursing.
The University of Canberra described the award as recognition of a career spanning teaching, research, scholarship and clinical practice. The university said Dr Shan has been guided by a commitment to dignity, compassion and respect for people, particularly during periods of vulnerability.
Her work has also extended beyond clinical and academic settings. Dr Shan has advocated for Indian communities in Australia and undertaken research aimed at improving services for culturally diverse communities. Her community-focused work has added another dimension to a career that has combined healthcare practice with education, research and leadership.
Dementia and palliative care have been particularly important areas of Dr Shan’s professional work. The University of Canberra noted that her research has contributed to dementia and palliative care practice, while her broader academic work has included research into aged care, oncology, chronic illness and nursing education.
Dr Shan has also invested heavily in mentoring and developing future healthcare professionals. Reflecting on the award, she said the recognition was not simply about her individual achievements but also about the students and emerging leaders she had mentored and the people she had been able to serve throughout her career.
The recognition comes after a career involving extensive professional and academic achievements. According to the ACT Government, Dr Shan has published 25 papers in refereed journals, presented 30 topics at national and international conferences, and received multiple fellowships, certifications and awards.
Dr Shan has said the award reinforced her commitment to advocating for older people, people living with dementia, compassionate palliative care and the next generation of nurses and leaders. She also expressed hope that her career would encourage women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, to develop their confidence and pursue leadership opportunities.
The ACT Women’s Awards also recognised Ashlee Berry with the Excellence in Industry Award, Robyn Smith with the Gender Equity and Social Change Award and Katherine Berney with the Minister’s Impact Award. The 2026 awards also included 14 inductees into the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.
For Dr Shan, the Lifetime Achievement Award marks recognition of a career that has connected patient care, nursing education, research, professional leadership and community advocacy. Her work across dementia, ageing, palliative care and culturally diverse communities has contributed to a broader conversation about compassionate healthcare and the development of future nursing leaders in Australia.
