VESPIIA Student of the Year's research awarded for supporting police forces across Australia.
This Student of Year Award recognises outstanding work by an individual tertiary student. The prestigious national award celebrates students whose work makes a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of veterans, emergency service personnel, and police – the first responders who serve at the backbone of our nation.
Vanessa's research, completed through her Master of Medical and Health Science by Research at ECU, examined how pre-existing injuries and body composition affect physical performance during police recruit training. Her findings are already helping to inform new health screening and injury prevention strategies within the WA Police Force Academy.
Supervised by ECU Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Myles Murphy, Vanessa's work represents a world-first in identifying how persistent injuries before academy training can influence recruit performance. Using advanced imaging techniques such as DXA and pQCT, her studies applied methods typically used in elite sport and military contexts to the law enforcement sector for the first time.
"Vanessa's research addresses a major challenge faced by police forces across Australia," said Dr Murphy. "Her dedication, innovation, and the practical impact of her work make this award a fitting recognition of her contribution."
A former Royal Australian Air Force Police member and close relative of WA Police officers, Vanessa brings both personal insight and professional rigour to her work. She currently serves as Chair of the WA Police Force Consumer Advisory Group and is an associate investigator on a $1.2 million National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership Project co-designed with WA Police to reduce injuries during recruit training.
Vanessa said she was honoured to receive national recognition for research that has real-world impact.
"It's an incredible privilege to contribute to research that directly supports the health and readiness of our police recruits. Knowing that the findings are already helping improve training practices makes the work feel genuinely worthwhile," Vanessa said.
"This award reflects the collaborative effort between ECU, WA Police, and our research partners, all working towards safer and more sustainable law enforcement careers. I'm grateful to be part of a team that's translating research into real change for those on the front line."
Student of the Year Award winner ECU's Vanessa Sutton, with VESPIIA board director Ruben Proud (left) and VESPIIA CEO, Shannon Hennessy (right).
Vanessa's work has already been published in leading international journals and presented at national conferences. Her studies have also informed early policy changes within the WA Police Force, helping improve the health outcomes of recruits before they even step into academy training.
Awards for excellence
The VESPIIA Awards for Excellence celebrate individuals and organisations shaping the future of veteran and first responder support across Australia — and this year, ECU's research has taken centre stage.
Across the sector, individuals and organisations are delivering real impact — often with limited resources and little recognition. These awards change that.
VESPIIA
The Veterans, Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA) stands as the pioneering professional body in Australia, uniquely crafted to champion the tireless efforts of those who support the backbone of our nation—Veterans, Emergency Services, Police, and their families.
Serving as a dedicated bastion of support, VESPIIA provides initiatives designed to uplift the organisations, committed staff, and selfless volunteers who tirelessly deliver essential support and programs to the heroes in our communities.
