Societal Impact in Science
The Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science is presented by UNSW.
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The UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science is awarded to individuals or teams who, through partnership with industry, government or not-for-profit, have transformed their scientific research into practical solutions that address pressing global societal challenges.
This prize celebrates:
- the technological, environmental, health, social and economic advancements that come from collaborative science; and
- the societal impacts that emerge when researchers partner with industry, government and not-for-profit to advance their research towards real-world benefits and progress for all.
Entries are encouraged from any science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medical (STEMM) discipline.
Prize
$10,000
Assessment criteria
Entries should specifically address how the work entered meets the following assessment criteria.
Originality and Significance (20%)
Detail how the research outcome(s) are innovative, as well as how the research has influenced its field of science and/or pioneered a new area of enquiry.
Scientific Rigour (15%)
Describe the investigative approach undertaken and identify the research methods employed, outlining the steps taken to ensure a robust and unbiased approach.
Collaborative Partnership (15%)
Provide an overview of the collaborative partner and a description of the partnership, including details of how the partner was selected or partnership formed.
Impact and benefit (50%)
Outline the impact of the research on one or more societal challenges, including the essential role of the collaborative partner in achieving this impact.
Prize specific conditions of entry
The prize is open to individuals and teams, if the research activity is the result of a collaborative team effort.
For team entries:
- comprising of between two and six individuals, the first listed entrant must be the team leader. You must describe the contribution of each individual to the research and explain why the Eureka Prize should be jointly awarded to the listed individuals. This explanation must be included in the ‘Activity Summary.’
- comprising of more than six individuals, the listed entrant must be the team leader and they must enter under a team name. They are required to briefly describe the composition of the team and explain why the Eureka Prize should be jointly awarded to a team of more than six individuals. This explanation must be included in the ‘Activity Summary.’
Citizenship
- For an individual entry, the entrant must be either an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.
- For team entries comprising of between two and six individuals, the team leader must be either an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. Members of the team do not have to fulfil this requirement.
- For team entries comprising of more than six individuals, the team leader must be either an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. Members of the team do not have to fulfil this requirement.
Activity location
Activity entered for this prize must have taken place in or been led from Australia, as defined in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Terms and Conditions.
Published article
Activity entered for this prize must have been published in at least one peer-reviewed article (i.e., published in a scientific journal or similar).
Timeframe
Research activity entered for this prize must have been undertaken within seven years of the Entry Deadline.
Category specific conditions of entry – Science Engagement prizes
Entrants can either enter themselves or be nominated by others. If an entrant is nominated it is important that they provide input to the documentation supporting their nomination.
The activity entered or nominated for this prize may not be entered or nominated for another Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the same year.
Activity that has been awarded an Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the past cannot be entered again.
In addition to the prize and category specific conditions of entry, all entrants must comply with the General Terms and Conditions of Entry.
Entry materials
Activity summary
[Two pages (maximum); 2cm margins (minimum); Size 11 font (minimum)].
A statement by the nominator or entrant that provides an overview of the research.
Response to assessment criteria
[Four pages (maximum); 2cm margins (minimum); Size 11 font (minimum)].
A statement by the nominator or entrant addressing each of the specific assessment criteria.
Assessor reports
[Reports must be prepared using the template provided. 2 pages (maximum)]
Two statements from assessors on how the activity entered addresses each of the assessment criteria. Judges rely on assessor reports to provide an additional perspective and informed opinion on the activity entered, therefore assessors should not be personally or directly involved in it. Assessors should be selected from a variety of different organisations. Statements must be prepared using the template provided.
Testimonial
[Testimonial must be prepared using the template provided. Two pages (maximum)]
One testimonial from the collaborative partner, describing their experiences and engagement with delivering/facilitating the societal impact of the research activity. Testimonial must be prepared using the template provided.
Published article
Include a copy of one published peer-reviewed article that relates most directly to the research activity entered. Links to external sites will not be accepted. This Published Article must: (i) have been published for the first time no more than seven years prior to the Entry Deadline; and (ii) be specifically referenced in the ‘Research Summary’.
How to Enter
- Review prize information
- Register an account
- Start online entry form from 11 February 2025 (save it in-progress)
- Submit online entry form, including entry materials listed above, by the Entry Deadline, 7pm AEST Monday 14 April 2025. Late entries will not be accepted.
