The 2025 ALUCA Turks Life Insurance Scholarship (ATLIS) is now open!
Now in its 19th year, the ATLIS is designed to support the professional growth of the Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association (ALUCA) and its members by providing a significant career development opportunity for professionals working in the life insurance industry.
Share your vision on an issue affecting the life insurance industry and establish yourself as a driver of innovation.
With AU$10,000 in prizes and overseas travel on offer, ATLIS is your chance to showcase your expertise, influence industry thinking, and gain recognition from your peers and industry leaders alike.
Speak up. Influence your industry. Shape the future. Enter ATLIS today.
Entrants are required to submit a written paper of no more than 2,500 words, addressing one of the eight topical life insurance industry questions listed in the application form.
For the full entry requirements, essay questions and to apply, download the Application Form. You can also download an A3 poster to put up around the office.
Click here to read the tip sheet from our experts and past winners on how to write a winning paper.
Applications close on Sunday 24 August 2025.
Hear from the 2024 Scholarship winner
Shaivahn Parsons from Acenda (formerly MLC Insurance) was the winner of the 2024 ATLIS. Shaivahn, Case Consultant, took out the prestigious 2024 ATLIS with his outstanding paper on 'Innovation in Group Insurance.’ The well-researched paper was the standout in a field of great papers dealing with a range of pressing issues facing the life insurance industry.
Download 2024 winners' papers
The winner of the Scholarship receives a package valued at up to AU$10,000 including return travel, accommodation, $1,000 cash and registration to one of the following overseas conferences of their choice:
- 2026 Eastern Claims Conference
- 2026 Life Insurance Conference
- 2026 Supplemental Health, DI & LTC Conference
In addition to the major prize, the winner is invited to sit on the judging panel alongside senior industry leaders for next year’s scholarship and is invited to headline the Turks Life Matters session in 2026.
The 1st runner-up received a AU$1,000 Visa pre-paid gift card and the 2nd runner-up received a AU$250 restaurant voucher.
Submissions are assessed on:
- Understanding of and insight into the chosen topic
- Conclusions supported by sound evidence and research
- Clarity of thought
- Commercial insight
- Presentation
The 2025 judging panel comprised the following senior industry leaders:
- Jenny Oliver, Chief Claims Officer, TAL
- Gavin Pearce, Chairman, SCOR Global Life Australia
- Andrew Howard, Executive Director - Strategy & Innovation, Insignia Financial
- Malcolm Weir, Independent Consultant
- Christine Cupitt, Chief Executive Officer, CALI
- Linda Winterbottom, National Life Manager, Benchmark Rehab
- Shaivahn Parsons, Case Consultant, Acenda (2024 Scholarship winner)
- Joanne Faglioni, ALUCA Board Member & Chief Claims Officer, ClearView Wealth Limited
- Alph Edwards, Partner, Turks
- Darryl Pereira, Partner, Turks
Shaivahn Parsons from MLC Insurance was the winner of the 2024 ATLIS. Shaivahn, Case Consultant, took out the prestigious 2024 ATLIS with his outstanding paper on 'Innovation in Group Insurance.’ The well-researched paper was the standout in a field of great papers dealing with a range of pressing issues facing the life insurance industry.
The 1st runner-up is, Madeleine Merriman, Senior Legal Counsel, AIA for her paper on ‘Life Insurance and Financial Abuse’. Madeleine wins a $1,000 Visa pre-paid gift card. The 2nd runner-up is Celeste McFadyen, Senior Case Manager, AIA for her paper on ‘Mental Health and access to Life Insurance’ Celeste receives a $250 restaurant voucher.
Click here to read the full announcement.
Hear from the 2023 Scholarship winner
Matthew Garrett from Australian Retirement Trust was the winner of the 2023 ALUCA Turks Life Insurance Scholarship (ATLIS) with his outstanding paper on 'The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Life Insurance Implications: Is the risk worth the reward?’ The well-researched paper broke down the complex issues around AI into an easy to digest analysis of how AI has the capacity to revolutionise life insurance for the good of customer and insurer alike. In this short clip, Matthew talks about how to choose a question to research, what winning the prize was like and also gives his top three tips for writing a winning paper. If you are thinking about entering ATLIS this year, we suggest taking the time to listen to Matthew's video as it is very inspirational!
Download 2023 winners' papers
Download 2022 winners' papers
