The Dorabjee Award

Jimmy Dorabjee was a pioneer in international harm reduction policy and practice, a major figure of the movement in Asia. Before moving to Melbourne Jimmy was the Program Manager for Harm Reduction at the Sharan Society NGO in Delhi and the driving force behind the formation of the Asian Harm Reduction Network.

“Jimmy was a globally respected visionary leader. He was brave and was one of the few courageous people who openly identified as a person who uses drugs,” said members of the Network of Asian People who Use Drugs (NAPUD).

Jimmy was associated with Burnet’s Centre for Harm Reduction from its inception in the early 2000s. He received the prestigious National Rolleston Award in 2001 for his profound impact on international harm reduction policy and practice.

“Jimmy mentored and inspired many, and he epitomised lived experience and peer education,” said Burnet principal research fellow Associate Professor Higgs.

Jimmy Dorabjee died in 2019. His life and legacy as a former Burnet senior staff member, researcher, and passionate advocate for harm reduction, is acknowledged with 2 awards sponsored by Burnet: The Dorabjee Award International, and The Dorabjee Award Asia.

1. Awardees must be actively working in harm reduction policy, practice or research.
2. Awardees must provide evidence that they have submitted an abstract to a suitable conference focused on harm reduction.
3. If applicable, awardees must provide evidence that their attendance is supported by their employer or connected organisation.

The application form includes the following key questions. All responses must be in English.

• Please detail how you or the nominee are actively working in harm reduction policy, practice, or research. (1000 characters max)
• Please describe how you or the nominee have demonstrated significant positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs (including how you/they have ensured community involvement). (1000 characters max)
• Please describe how you or the nominee have shown (or plans to show) leadership in the sector. (1000 characters max)
• Please describe your or the nominee's commitment to the ongoing sharing and development of knowledge and skills for the community and/or for others working in the sector. (1000 characters max)
• Please provide a summary of experience, expertise and contribution to the sector (including links to any publications or other supporting material). (1000 characters max)
• What is the reason you have chosen this conference and what do you hope to get from attending it? (1000 characters max)
• Do you wish to add any additional information to support this application. (1000 characters max). You can upload a short video (up to 2 minutes) as an option.

Applications are reviewed by a judging panel that includes representation from Burnet Institute, the International Network of People who use Drugs (INPUD), the Network of Asian People who Use Drugs (NAPUD), Professor Nick Crofts and Del Aulich.

Applications are judged in response to the selection criteria.