2013 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes winners

Scanalyse/Outotec, Scanalyse Pty Ltd./Outotec and Curtin University

Scanalyse/Outotec's laser scanning technology, originally developed at Curtin University, accurately models the internal lining of crushers and mills to monitor their condition, thus improving safety, minimising energy use, reducing downtime and drastically reducing losses from catastrophic failure. This technology is saving the mineral processing industry millions of dollars per annum.

Professor Chris Johnson, University of Tasmania; Dr Michael Letnic, UNSW; Dr Euan Ritchie, Deakin University; Dr Arian Wallach, James Cook University; and Adam O'Neill, Evelyn Downs Station

Professor Chris Johnson and his team’s work is conservation with bite! It has shown how the dingo helps sustain biodiversity in Australian ecosystems. It points the way to improved environmental management in which the dingo could be used to aid the recovery of degraded lands and help protect threatened species.

Quantum Bio-probes, University of Melbourne

The Quantum Bio-probes collaboration is the first to measure a single quantum probe in a living biological system. With sensitivities over a million times greater than available technologies, this breakthrough represents a fundamentally new technology for understanding nano-biological processes and has great potential for nanomedicine, neuroscience and drug discovery applications.

Professor Scott O'Neill, Monash University; Professor Ary Hoffmann, University of Melbourne; Professor Scott Ritchie, James Cook University; Dr Elizabeth McGraw, Monash University; Dr Luciano Moreira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; and Professor Brian Kay, Queensland Institute of Medical Research

The Eliminate Dengue project is developing an innovative approach to the control of dengue by introducing Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium, into mosquito populations. Wolbachia inhibits dengue virus replication within the mosquito, thereby reducing dengue transmission. When fully implemented this approach may decrease dengue incidence and benefit millions of people worldwide.

Zebedee Team, CSIRO

Zebedee is a handheld laser scanner which generates 3D maps of challenging environments in the time it takes to walk through them. Zebedee can localise itself solely using its own measurements and thus it can operate in GPS-denied environments and is well-suited to various scientific and commercial applications including forest and cave surveying, building maintenance, security inspection, mining, manufacturing, emergency services, and cultural heritage mapping.

Professor Steve Wilton and Professor Sue Fletcher, Murdoch University

Research by Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher and the Australian Neuro-muscular Research Institute has led to a breakthrough in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a relentlessly progressive muscle-wasting disease, with a clinical trial showing that treated boys are now making the missing protein (dystrophin) and appear to have stabilised.

Dr Kerrie Wilson, University of Queensland

Dr Kerrie Wilson addresses research questions such as where to invest limited resources to protect biodiversity or restore habitat. This requires both ecological and socio-economic knowledge and has led to the development of frameworks and decision-support tools to inform how funds should be allocated to maximise conservation outcomes.

DMTC Armour Applications Program, Defence Materials Technology Centre

The DMTC Armour Applications Program has driven the development and commercialisation of high-performance armour materials and manufacturing techniques which are increasing the levels of protection and performance offered by Australian Defence Force vehicles and to operating personnel. The focus has been on developing technologies and systems which have increased blast and ballistic performance, reduced weight and increased mobility.

Dr Lars Kjer-Nielsen and Professor James McCluskey, University of Melbourne, and Professor Jamie Rossjohn, Monash University

These three medical researchers have shown how T-cells of the immune system found mainly in the gut are activated by vitamin B metabolites. The research has created opportunities for vaccine development and potential treatments for mucosal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and infection.

Future Farm Industries CRC Enrich Project Team, CSIRO, University of Western Australia and South Australian Research and Development Institute

The Enrich project is a collaborative effort of researchers, extension staff and land managers across southern Australia. It aims to provide knowledge and development into sustainable grazing systems, with multiple benefits for farmers in low–medium rainfall areas through the incorporation of Australian perennial shrubs.

Associate Professor David Wilson, UNSW

Associate Professor David Wilson is an established international leader in the evaluation of global HIV/AIDS epidemics and strategic response planning. With large influence and impact on national, regional and global policies and programs, and working in partnership with UNAIDS, WHO, World Bank and governments, the effect of David’s catalytic leadership is felt worldwide.

Professor Frank Caruso, University of Melbourne

Professor Frank Caruso is a world leader in developing and applying nanotechnology-enabled materials for biomedical applications. Such materials offer significant promise for application in areas such as drug delivery and imaging, with the potential to revolutionise healthcare and medicine.

Professor Rick Shine AM, University of Sydney

Few biologists worldwide have been so successful at facilitating the careers of younger researchers as Professor Rick Shine. Over a long and illustrious career, Rick has attracted, nurtured and enthused a succession of high-achieving young researchers. By mentoring generations of talented researchers, he has transformed his field of study.

Professor Rob Brooks, UNSW

Professor Rob Brooks is a leading authority on sex and evolution, and a prolific commentator, author and speaker. With plain language and sharp humour, he inspires, educates and entertains the curious public about the importance of evolutionary theory for understanding modern life and making the world a better place.

Ian Townsend, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Ian Townsend’s exposé, Lead Poisoning: A Silent Epidemic, uncovers how people were poisoned after the Queensland floods because they weren’t aware of the dangers of lead in paint. Commissioned toxicology tests found high lead levels in soil and dust in one typical home. The USA has since halved its blood lead advisory level. Australia is yet to follow.

Broadcast on Background Briefing, ABC Radio National, 6 May 2012

Richard Wylie, Euakafa Island Research Centre

Fatherhood – The Weedy Seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus, is endemic to sub-temperate and temperate Australian waters and is listed by the IUCN as a Near Threatened species. This individual showcases not only the beauty and majesty of these unique creatures but also their biologically diverse methods of reproduction in the marine environment. The female seadragon transfers fertilised eggs to the male, who then incubates them until the fully formed young hatch approximately eight weeks later.

Nathan G., Reuben S., Billy M., Jack D. and Sacha B., Beauty Point Public School, NSW

In this short film, What is Friction? reporter Doug Traction visits the National Tribology Research Centre to investigate friction. Let Professors Static, Slide, Rolling and Fluid enlighten you by exploring and demonstrating the different types of friction through simple but effective experiments.

Brandon G., Casino High School, NSW

In this film, The Spectacular Spider, the audience is taken on a search for the spectacular spider, through the safety of a camera lens. Brandon hopes that through this film people can come to recognise, respect and maybe even love the spider.