Today, and every day, we celebrate women in science
From Professor Michelle Simmons and Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith to Sonya Pemberton and Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, the Australian Museum is proud to have recognised the achievements of many exceptional women throughout the Eureka Prizes’ 32 year history. This International Women’s Day, we reflect on some of the most recent recipients, which include trailblazing leaders, an interdisciplinary team and two young filmmakers.
© Jennifer Green 2017
Who Lindell Bromham, Felicity Meakins, Xia Hua and Cassandra Algy, Australian National University; University of Queensland; and Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation
What Bringing together an Indigenous community member, linguist, mathematician and biologist, this team is studying Gurindji, an Indigenous language of northern Australia. Their research is developing new ways to understand the processes of language change and factors that help keep Indigenous languages strong and vibrant.
Awarded the 2021 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
© Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Who Professor Julie Bines, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and University of Melbourne
What Rotavirus is a major cause of death among children and despite evidence of vaccine effectiveness, significant barriers to access remain. Professor Julie Bines is leading the development of RV3-BB, a safe, effective and affordable newborn rotavirus vaccine that will prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis from birth, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Awarded the 2021 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research
© Franck Gazzola/Rolex
Who Dr Emma Camp, University of Technology Sydney
What Dr Emma Camp’s discovery of corals thriving in extreme conditions is informing new adaptive management solutions in both Australia and abroad. Together with government and nature conservation agencies, she is developing improved management strategies for coral reefs worldwide, while using her work as a platform to advocate for action on climate change.
Awarded the 2021 Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher
© University of South Australia
Who Associate Professor Kristin Carson-Chahhoud, University of South Australia
What Driven by her commitment to lung health and vision for a smoke-free Australia, Associate Professor Kristin Carson-Chahhoud is using innovative augmented reality technology to disrupt health communication. Her mentorship, advocacy and research leadership has led to high-impact public health outcomes in both respiratory medicine and tobacco control and sustained benefits for the broader community.
Awarded the 2021 AstraZeneca Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
© Patti Virtue
Who Dr Dana M. Bergstrom, Australian Antarctic Division and University of Wollongong
What For decades, Dr Dana M. Bergstrom has championed evidence-based science in biodiversity, biosecurity and the impacts of climate change. Skilled at science translation and distilling complexity, she has led the exploration of ecosystem collapse from Australia’s tropics to Antarctica, delivering innovative options for modern conservation.
Awarded the Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science
© Dr Melina Georgousakis
Who Dr Melina Georgousakis, Franklin Women
What Dr Melina Georgousakis is committed to developing the next generation of Australia’s researchers and ensuring that women are equally represented among them. Through the establishment of Franklin Women, she is providing the infrastructure for a sector-first mentoring program, delivering events and building a community to foster the establishment of new mentoring relationships.
Awarded the University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers
© Tanya P.
Who Scarlett O. and Scarlett P., Oak Flats Public School, NSW.
What If a super volcano erupted, the impacts would be widespread and catastrophic. In their film Super Volcanoes, Scarlett and Scarlett demonstrate the science behind these high magnitude eruptions and explain how they could be used as a source of power, providing green energy for future generations.
Awarded the 2020 and 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary
