Finalists announced for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka prizes
Sydney, 2 September 2021: The Australian Museum (AM) has today announced the 51 finalists selected for Australia’s leading science awards, the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. Finalists from across Australia are in the running for 16 AM Eureka Prizes across four categories, including excellence in Research and Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement and School Science.
Known as the ‘Oscars’ of Australian science, the Eureka Prizes offer $160,000 in prize money, across a broad spectrum of research from environmental to innovative technologies, defence and mentoring.
Finalists include:
- Pioneering findings on immune responses in COVID-19;
- Human respiratory emissions research, outlining the optimal design features of a high-performance, cloth face mask;
- The development of a livestock feed supplement eliminating methane production in agriculture and increasing productivity, offering a solution to two major global challenges: climate change and hunger;
- A world-first partnering of scientists and tourism operators to implement a coral restoration project that is reaping benefits for the Great Barrier Reef and communities that rely on it;
- A breakthrough 3D bio printing system that produces 3D cells with unprecedented cell viability and tunability — a game-changer for cancer research and therapeutic development;
- Findings from research into NSW’s devastating 2019-20 bushfires that are setting the future direction for fire management;
- An international program delivering highly efficacious intervention against dengue fever.
The AM Eureka Prizes winners will be announced on Thursday 7 October at a live broadcast event. The event will be open to all audiences and free to stream online. Register for the awards at australian.museum/eurekaprizes.
Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said, “If the last 18 months has taught us anything, it is that scientists do incredible work and that work has the power to improve our world. There has never been a more important time to recognise the achievements of Australian scientists through initiatives like the AM Eureka Prizes.”
“Now in its 31st year, the AM Eureka Prizes remains the only national science awards to bring together leading scientists, emerging researchers and young school children,” Ms McKay said.
“With previous winners including esteemed scientists such as marine biologist, Professor Emma Johnston and world-leading genomics expert, Professor Kathy Belov, the awards traverse the full spectrum of sciences and help bring important new ideas to local and international attention.”
“The Australian Museum is proud to celebrate the trailblazing discoveries of this year’s finalists whose contributions to science will positively impact the lives of those in Australia and across the globe for years to come,” she said.
Australian Museum Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) Professor Kris Helgen said the process of nominating and selecting the finalists of the AM Eureka Prizes is lengthy and meticulous, which make the prizes a credible and sought-after award.
“From astrophysics to zoology, the AM Eureka Prizes recognise the accomplishments of many of our nation’s most promising researchers and scientists, and during this difficult year, these finalists have been especially resourceful in using their skills to take on and help solve some of our greatest challenges like climate change and pandemics,” he said.
“The AM Eureka Prizes have an illustrious history and play an important role in educating the public about the very latest advances in science as well as identifying future leaders in the fields of technology, innovation, engineering and science communication,” Helgen added.
For more information and a full list of 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists: australian.museum/eurekaprizes
Event details
What: Eureka Prizes
When: Thursday 7 October 2021
Where: australian.museum/eurekaprizes
Eureka Prize press pack and images available HERE
Social media: #EurekaPrizes
Twitter: @eurekaprizes
Facebook: @eurekaprizes
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