Louise Adams recognised with honorary doctorate at 2025 graduation

Louise Adams recognised with honorary doctorate at 2025 graduation

RMIT has awarded Louise Adams, Aurecon Chief Executive Officer, the Doctor of Business honoris causa, acknowledging her leadership in engineering, gender equality and Australia’s partnership with Vietnam.

Adams was honoured at the University’s 2025 graduation ceremony, where she encouraged the more than 10,500 graduates to approach their careers with discipline, optimism and purpose.

Adams has built a distinguished career as an engineer and senior executive. She leads Aurecon’s international design, engineering and advisory operations and is a prominent advocate for equality in STEM, including through the Chief Executive Women leadership program.

Her contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Vietnam has been central to her national roles. In 2024, she was appointed Australia’s Business Champion to Vietnam, building on work since 2021 to advance trade and investment between the two countries. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre and the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute.

Adams has been recognised across the sector with awards including Sir John Holland Australian Civil Engineer of the Year, Excellence in Engineering at the Women in Industry Awards, and Australian CEO of the Year.

Louise-Adams-2025Graduation-1220x732

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor College of Business and Law Professor Colin Picker said RMIT was proud to recognise Adams’ achievements with this honour.

"It is especially meaningful to celebrate someone like Louise whose life’s work naturally aligns with RMIT’s commitment to social impact and innovation. Louise has delivered this throughout her long-standing championing of equality in STEM that saw her become a global advocate for women in leadership long before she became Aurecon’s first female Chief Executive Officer," Professor Picker said.

Accepting the honour, Adams called the recognition a privilege for which she was deeply grateful. She reflected on the defining choices graduates will face, urging them to approach challenges with resolve and perspective.

"The world faces complex challenges and it is only by working together across industries, sectors and communities with an optimistic mindset that we will find the solutions that matter most. Much of my work as a Business Champion and in STEM leadership has been about building and strengthening connections and fostering partnerships that drive real change," said Adams. 

Adams encouraged graduates to back themselves as they enter a rapidly changing world and closed with a message of confidence in the next generation, emphasising the importance of curiosity, effort and continuous learning.

"Regardless of today, you show up again tomorrow," she said.

"Work hard. Never stop learning. And go and make your future impossible to ignore."

18 December 2025

Share

Return to RMIT News
18 December 2025

Share

  • CoBL
  • STEM
  • Business
Engage

Related News

athena-swan-final-cygnet-awards-1220x732px.jpg

Marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026: RMIT earns final two SAGE Cygnet Awards

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, RMIT is proud to announce it has achieved its final two SAGE Cygnet awards, recognising the University's leadership in advancing gender equity, inclusion and safety.

Electricity bill with light bulb, several coins, calculator and pen on the desk. Concept of electricity prices and tax payments.

Banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets, study finds

Approaches by some European countries and Australia to protect energy consumers could help countries worldwide phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilising power markets, new research has found.

three years free tafe event

Celebrating three years of Free TAFE: RMIT showcases student success and skills for the future

The Hon Andrew Giles MP visited RMIT’s City campus last week, in celebration of the third anniversary of the Commonwealth’s Fee‑Free TAFE initiative.

RMIT University’s contingent for the Pride March

RMIT shows up with Pride at Midsumma Festival

RMIT marked a milestone year at the 2026 Midsumma Festival, celebrating its first year as a major partner with a strong show of pride from students and staff.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information