The 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes now open

Sydney, 11 February 2025: The 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes (AMEP), the nation’s most prestigious science awards, open for entries today. This year, two new prize categories have been added to the list of prizes: the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science and the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science. Each prize offers $10,000 in prize money, and the new prizes have been added to a line-up of 20 categories.

The Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science, supported by the University of Technology Sydney and the Australian Federal Police, recognises ground breaking forensic science research that enhances national security, law enforcement, and justice. The Eureka Prize for Societal Impact, supported by UNSW Sydney, honours research that drives real-world change through collaboration with industry, government, or not-for-profits.

Australian Museum Director & CEO, Kim McKay AO, encouraged entries from across Australia, particularly for the two new prizes.

“It's great that UTS, the Australian Federal Police and UNSW are supporting the Eureka Prizes and helping us reward excellence in Australian science. We look forward to seeing many high-quality applications to these new awards in their inaugural year,” McKay said.

“The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, now in their 35th year, highlight the remarkable scientific work that occurs across the nation transforming the health system, the economy and aiding the protection of the planet. We are calling for scientists, science communicators and students to apply for this unique opportunity to showcase their remarkable contributions. Science is at the core of Australia's future growth and development and the Eureka Prize winners agree they receive a boost to their careers and recognition for their research,” McKay added

Director for the UTS Centre of Forensic Science, Professor Claude Roux, said the UTS Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science celebrates Australian innovation in forensic research which has assisted in the aiding the painstaking work involved in crime investigations.

“This prize highlights the value of combining the collaborative strength of scientific research, underpinned by technology and creativity, with the needs of modern Australian policing to bring more effective and lasting forensic solutions to prevent and solve criminal activity,” Professor Roux said.

Associate Professor Kelly Clemens, UNSW Sydney, said the new category highlights the impact of science as it extends beyond the laboratory and into our community to influence policy decisions, public health measures, and environmental conservation efforts.

“Establishing this award is part of UNSW’s commitment to creating strong networks of people who are able to combine resources, ideas and technologies that will benefit all of society. Institutions like the Australian Museum and UNSW contribute to this by fostering scientific research, developing strong business relationships and public education,” Professor Clemens said.

Research and Innovation

• NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Eureka Prize for Environmental Research
• Australian Institute of Botanical Science Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science
• University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science
• Aspire Scholarship Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
• Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software
• Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research
• ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology
• Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher
• Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia
• UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
• University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research

Leadership

• Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
• Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science and Innovation
• University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers

Science Engagement

• Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science
• Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science
• Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism
• UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion

School Science

• University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Primary and Secondary School

Now in their 35th year, the AMEP were established in 1990 by the Australian Museum and ‘President Emeritus’ of the AM Trustees, Robyn Williams, to reward outstanding achievements in Australian science and science communication. A unique co-operative partnership between government, education and research institutions, private sector companies and organisations have provided more than $4.7 million in prize money and a total of 509 Eureka Prizes have been awarded over the past three decades.

Applications, prize criteria and entry information available at: australian.museum/eurekaprizes

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information and active research on some of the most pressing environmental some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.

Media Enquiries:

Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser
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