Young Innovators Explore 'Green' In Sleek Geeks Category At 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

Sydney, 19 July 2023: The Australian Museum (AM) today announced the six "Sleek Geeks" selected in the School Science category at Australia’s prestigious science awards, the 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

The School Science category of the AM Eureka Prizes shines a spotlight on the country's most promising young scientists and science communicators from primary and high schools. Finalists in this category were selected based on their short video submissions centred around the theme of 'Green', with films examining everything from the preventive qualities of green tea to the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi.

The young Sleek Geeks have continued to impress and inspire with their scientific curiosity and creativity in exploring the world around them. The 'Green' theme has provided a platform for these young minds to share their unique insights into a wide array of scientific topics, contributing significantly to the overall discourse of scientific learning.

Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said “Engaging in science and conducting experiments empowers children to enhance their skills and learn through evidence-based exploration. It nurtures their natural curiosity, enabling them to identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.”

Renowned science communicator Dr Karl said, "The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, sponsored by the University of Sydney, is an invaluable platform for sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science amongst today’s school students. It's amazing to see these youngsters dive deep into the world of 'Green' science, revealing perspectives that are not only thought-provoking, but also innovative.

“Their captivating short films not only hold the potential to seed and grow the next crop of science leaders, but also serve as excellent peer-to-peer learning materials. These films are being embraced by science teachers and used in classrooms across the country, showing the incredible value of this initiative. We are indeed cultivating a culture of scientific exploration that will echo well into the future."

Brandon Gifford, three-time Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize winner and current judge said “The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize sparks the curiosity of young scientific minds across Australia, providing a platform for them to explore and share their passion for science. Winning the prize multiple times was a personal achievement that shaped me into a science communicator and conservationist. It gave me confidence and valuable tools to educate others in engaging ways.”

“The Eureka Prize also opened doors to work in wildlife facilities and provided media opportunities, deepening my passion for wildlife conservation. Being a Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize judge is a remarkable full-circle moment and an incredible honour. It allows me to connect with the next generation of Australian scientists and nurture their passion through encouragement and recognition of their films. As a judge, I am privileged to have a front-row seat to witness the brilliance of these young scientists and communicators.”

Sophia L. and Scarlett P., Wollongong Public School, NSW

Are the trees sharing secrets with each other beneath our feet? Sophia and Scarlett think so, and it’s a concept they explore in their educational and engaging video Intriguing InTREEnet, which uses timelapse animation, graphics and drone footage to explain mycelium networks and their role in the forest.

Chase M., Shellharbour Public School, NSW

The human eye discerns more shades of green than any other colour. In Nurinnurun-Green: The SEEN Colour, Chase combines drone video, claymation and stop-motion graphics to explain how the retina and the colour green (or Nurinnurun, in the local Dharawal language) have impacted human evolution and survival.

Anna P., PLC Sydney, NSW

In Green Infrastructure: The Solution to Coastal Erosion, Anna uses humour and graphics to explain the phenomenon of coastal erosion and its causes in an accessible and entertaining way. She also highlights how green solutions such as vegetation and natural barriers can be used to protect homes and assets.

Darcy B., Ashfield Boys High School, NSW

In The Crazy World of Chlorophyll, Darcy investigates the dominant colour in nature: green. With the help of animation and stop-motion, he explains why so many leaves and plants share the same traits, visualises the photosynthesis process and shares just how many living things rely on the superpower pigment, chlorophyll.

Alison P. and Kathlin Q., Lauriston Girls' School, Vic.

Antioxidant-rich green tea has been known to reduce cell damage in the body. In their animation, How can drinking green tea prevent Alzheimer's Disease? Alison and Kathlin explain why the ancient Chinese drink may also be an effective natural preventative for memory loss and physical deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jacob W., Bayview Secondary College, Tas.

The combined challenges of population growth and climate change will require innovative, green solutions to food production. In Aquaponics: Tomorrow's Farming, Jacob explains how aquaponics – a form of fish farming – relies on the symbiotic relationship between fish, bacteria and plants to create a holistic, sustainable food system.

The AM Eureka Prizes, Australia's most comprehensive science awards, distribute $180,000 in prize money across a vast range of research areas, from environmental studies to innovative technologies, citizen science, leadership, and mentoring.

The winners of the 2023 AM Eureka Prizes will be unveiled on Wednesday 23 August at an awards ceremony held at the Australian Museum. An online livestream of the awards will also be accessible to all audiences on the night. Register for the livestream at australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

For more information and a full list of 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists: australian.museum/eurekaprizes

Event Details

What: Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Award Ceremony
Where: Hintze Hall, Australian Museum, corner of College and William Streets, Sydney
Theatre style award ceremony attended by 400 guests and live broadcast online
When: Wednesday 23 August 2023
Live broadcast from 7:30pm AEST via australian.museum/eurekaprizes

Interviews available with finalists
Media pack, including releases, finalist info, images and video HERE

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Twitter: @eurekaprizes Facebook: @eurekaprizes

Media Enquiries

Sanika Karnik, Communications Advisor
E: sanika@originalspin.com.au M: 0466 635 010

Matt Fraser, Director of Communications
E: matt@originalspin.com.au M: 0401 326 007

Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser
T 0468 726 910
E Claire.Vince@Australian.Museum