Pioneering Scientific Leadership Recognised In The 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

Sydney, 31 July 2024: The Australian Museum (AM) today announced the nine distinguished finalists selected in the Leadership category at the prestigious 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

This year’s AM Eureka Prizes highlight Australia’s foremost scientific leaders who are transforming their fields through ground-breaking research and innovative solutions. The finalists' work spans critical areas such as medical technology, environmental sustainability, and scientific mentorship.

Finalists across Australia are vying for three AM Eureka Prizes in Leadership: Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science; Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science and Innovation; and Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers.

Professor Kristofer Helgen, Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), said leadership was the foundation for all scientific advancement.

“From creating technologies that revolutionise patient care to developing strategies that combat plastic pollution, the 2024 Leadership finalists have been pivotal in advancing scientific understanding, and fostering the next generation of Australian scientists.”

“The work of scientific mentors and trusted advisors is often a life-changing experience for young researchers, which is critical to building on groundbreaking scientific advancement and discovery,” Helgen said.

Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science

Professor Joseph Doyle, Monash University and Alfred Health

Professor Joseph Doyle is committed to achieving the World Health Organization goal of eliminating viral hepatitis, which affects more than 300 million people globally. Through partnerships spanning hospitals, universities, community and government, he has innovated and implemented new models of testing, care and treatment, to improve outcomes for the 300,000 Australians living with viral hepatitis.

Dr Jiao Jiao Li, University of Technology Sydney

Motivated by the belief that everyone is entitled to healthy ageing, Dr Jiao Jiao Li leads transdisciplinary research in regenerative medicine to find new treatments for bone and joint diseases, turning medical discoveries into new therapies for patients. She is also a leader and enabler in STEM engagement and career building for others, particularly under-represented groups.

Dr Julia Reisser, Uluu and University of Western Australia

An oceanographer and entrepreneur with a long-term commitment to reducing ocean plastic pollution, Dr Julia Reisser has earned leadership roles on scientific research missions and at global organisations working to eliminate plastic waste. She is co-founder and co-chief executive of Uluu, a Perth startup that is turning seaweed into a biodegradable, climate-positive alternative to plastic.

Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science

Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, RMIT University

A transformational leader, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond has revamped research and innovation ecosystems in public and private institutions, so they are more efficient and effective. He has established molecular assembly design rules and experimental methods to fast-track discovery and application, leading to new, high-performance materials for use in medicine, energy storage and the resources sector.

Professor Mark Hutchinson, University of Adelaide

Professor Mark Hutchinson is an innovative science leader who has advanced entrepreneurship, creating startups and influencing government policy, with generational impact on Australia’s science and technology landscape. He is recognised as a transformative leader through his STEM advocacy, efforts to foster a culture of inclusivity and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Macquarie University

Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen has established synthetic biology as a thriving discipline in Australia. He has exponentially grown it in scale and expertise, establishing the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and the Australian Genome Foundry, fostering nine start-ups that have raised more than A$180 million of venture capital, positioning Australia as a field leader.

University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers

Associate Professor Haryana Dhillon, University of Sydney

Associate Professor Haryana Dhillon’s career focuses on building capacity in psychological and behavioural support services to create a workforce ready to meet future healthcare challenges. A psycho-oncology leader and mentor for more than two decades, they empower professional development for staff through education, practical support and by providing clinical research opportunities.

Associate Professor Wendy Ingman, University of Adelaide

Committed to creating career development opportunities for researchers, Associate Professor Wendy Ingman’s mentorship extends well beyond her own lab. She established the University of Adelaide’s Career Development Committee to provide skill-building workshops, coaching and networking events and is an advocate for national policy changes to improve institutional support and job security for researchers.

Professor Kate Jolliffe, University of Sydney

Professor Kate Jolliffe’s research and leadership have enhanced Australia’s standing in the relatively young field of supramolecular chemistry. To help close the gender gap she supported the foundation of the international ‘Women in Supramolecular Chemistry’ network. Her committed mentorship has resulted in more than 150 researchers appointed to senior academic and industry roles.

The AM Eureka Prizes offer $180,000 in total prize money across a diverse spectrum of science, from environmental sustainability to cutting-edge technology, citizen science initiatives, leadership, and mentoring. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 4 September, at a ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall. A livestream of the awards will also be available online. Register for the livestream at australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

For more information and a full list of 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists: australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

Event details

• What: Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Award Ceremony
• Where: Sydney Town Hall, George St, Sydney.
• When: Wednesday 4 September 2024

Live broadcast from 7:30pm AEST via australian.museum/eurekaprizes

Interviews available with finalists

Media pack, including releases, finalist info, images and video HERE
#EurekaPrizes Twitter: @eurekaprizes Facebook: - @eurekaprizes

Media Enquiries

• Matt Fraser, Director of Communications, matt@originalspin.com.au / 0401 326 007
• Timothee Luong, communications advisor, timothee@originalspin.com.au / 0435 715 017
• Claire Vince, media advisor, Claire.vince@australian.museum / 0468 726 910

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; being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With more than 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.