Eureka Prizes Judges
Judges of the Australian Museum (AM) Eureka Prizes work across a wide range of disciplines and are experts in their respective fields.
Judging process:
- All judges are bound by the Judges Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Each prize has its own unique judging panel consisting of a minimum of four people.
- Judging takes place in June and July.
- In the first round, judges independently review each entry against the assessment criteria and award a score.
- In the second round, each panel meets via teleconference to discuss their scores and agree on three finalists, including one winner.
- The AM Eureka Prizes team provides administrative support to each panel, but does not play a role in the decision-making process.
Award categories:
The Australian Museum and Eureka Prize partners are deeply grateful to the following individuals for contributing their time and expertise to the judging of the 2022 AM Eureka Prizes.
Research and Innovation
NSW Environment, Energy and Science (DPE) Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research
Professor Ian Anderson, Director, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University
Professor Ian Anderson graduated with his PhD in 2001. He is a microbial ecologist and his research areas encompass plant-soil-microbe interactions, molecular ecology, soil/ecosystem restoration, and examining the effects of climate change on soil microbes. As Director of the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment he is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the institute's research program and resources.
Dr Chris Armstrong PSM, Deputy NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and Executive Director at Office of NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
Dr Chris Armstrong has worked in the NSW Government since 2003, across many science and engineering issues including the national electricity system, longwall mining, water resources, biodiversity, climate change, and air quality. Before working in government Chris worked in medical communications, pharmaceutical marketing and research. Dr Armstrong holds both a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a PhD in chemistry from the University of Sydney.
Sandy Carruthers, Executive Director Strategy, Science and Corporate Services, Department for Environment and Water
Sandy Carruthers has had strategic oversight of the SA Department of Environment and Water's Science Program for the past 10 years. She is a Board member of a number of research organisations including Arid Recovery, The Environment Institute and Koala Life and was previously on the Goyder Institute for Water Research and is Deputy Chair of ANZLIC.
Dr Mark Jacobs, Deputy Director-General, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science
Dr Mark Jacobs has over 20 years' experience in government leading and managing high performing teams, developing and implementing science and innovation policies, strategies, and programs. Before joining government, Mark worked as a research scientist, both locally and internationally, and has maintained strong active industry, university and international networks. He has a PhD in science from The University of Queensland and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management.
Dr Georgina Kelly GAICD, Executive Director, Science, Economics and Insights Division, NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)
Over the last three decades Dr Georgina Kelly has practised and led science for large regionally dispersed divisions and programs with a focus on evidence-based decisions in natural resources, climate, agriculture, mining and pollution abatement. Her career has been focused on government environmental management and research agencies, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Authority, Sydney Water, Forestry Corporation NSW and the Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture).
Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
Emeritus Professor Neville Nicholls FAA, Monash University
Professor Neville Nicholls moved to Monash University after 35 years with the Bureau of Meteorology where he researched many aspects of climate. At Monash, he has continued his research into how and why the climate is changing, as well as designing systems to help us adapt to climate change and variability by improving our ability to forecast and cope with droughts, bushfires, heatwaves, and other climate impacts.
Professor Laura Poole-Warren AM ATSE, UNSW Sydney
Professor Laura Poole-Warren leads a research group focused on design and development of novel materials for neural electrodes and other soft-tissue interfaces, and on 3D engineered neural tissue models. A key theme of her work is on design of new biosynthetic materials and understanding of material and device interactions with cells and tissues. Throughout her career, she has worked in academia, industry, and government bodies.
Professor Colin Raston AO FAA, Professor in Clean Technology, Flinders University
Professor Colin Raston's current research covers green chemistry, materials chemistry, nanotechnology, self-assembly, and continuous flow thin film microfluidics. In 2015 he shared the Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry for "partially unboiling" an egg, in 2016 he was Appointed an Officer in of the Order of Australia, and in 2018 he was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Dr Jen Taylor, Research Director, CSIRO
Dr Jen Taylor leads the Systems research program in CSIRO Agriculture and Food. This program delivers innovative farming systems that improve agricultural productivity and resilience under economic and environmental variability. Jen has a scientific track record in crop genomics and data science. She has active research interests in the utilisation of data science methods across agriculture including the delivery of new technologies for crop genetic improvement, provenance of food and biosecurity.
Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research
Professor Heidi Drummer, Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative; and Program Director, Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute
Professor Heidi Drummer has worked across diverse animal and human viruses with a focus on developing candidate antigens for Hepatitis C vaccines and was the first to describe a minimal core domain of glycoprotein E2 and variable region 3. Her work has investigated the use of protein, virus-like particle, mRNA and viral vectored vaccines for HCV with an aim of developing a universal prophylactic vaccine to prevent HCV.
Professor Dena Lyras FASM, ARC Laureate Fellow and Deputy Director, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University
Professor Dena Lyras's research focuses on enteric pathogens, particularly those involved in antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and how these microorganisms harness virulence factors and antibiotic resistance factors to cause disease within the human and animal gut environment. Dena is the President of the Australian Society of Microbiology. She is a past ARC Future Fellow and is a current ARC Laureate Fellow.
Professor Mark Schembri, Professor of Microbiology, University of Queensland; and Deputy Director, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre
Professor Mark Schembri's research focuses on the study of antibiotic resistant uropathogenic E. coli, the major cause of urinary tract infection and a leading cause of sepsis. He is the Australian Society for Microbiology President Elect and a founding Director of the UTI Global Alliance – an international society of clinical, research and biomedical professionals. He is a past ARC Future Fellow and NHMRC Senior Research Fellow.
Professor Glen Ulett, Professor of Microbiology, Griffith University
Professor Glen Ulett obtained his PhD in Microbiology from James Cook University (Australia), completed post-doctoral research at St Jude Children's Research Hospital, the University of Queensland, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, he is Professor of Microbiology at Griffith University where he leads a research team on bacterial pathogenesis and mechanisms of host response to infection.
ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology
Jason Bender, Partner, Head of Innovation and Space Leader, Deloitte
Jason Bender is a Partner at Deloitte, leading the Australian firm's Innovation Program where under his leadership Deloitte has been recognised as one of Australia's Most Innovative Companies for 8 straight years, the last 3 in the top 2 (#1 in 2021). Deloitte Space Leader, accelerating the growth and scale of the Australian Space Industry, creating economic growth and jobs. Conceived the global Gravity Challenge, connecting downstream demand with space-tech supply capability delivering commercial outcomes for the corporates and innovators.
Professor Bronwyn Harch FTSE GAICD, Research and Innovation Strategist
Professor Bronwyn Harch is an applied statistician with 25 years' experience leading and undertaking research focused at the nexus of agricultural and environmental systems. She is passionate about making an impact by generating knowledge, technology and practices that make our world more sustainable, secure and resilient. Bronwyn is the former Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Research and Innovation), University of Queensland.
Dr Suzanne Hollins, Head of Research, ANSTO
Dr Suzanne Hollins joined ANSTO in 2001, and was appointed Head of Research, Nuclear Science & Technology and Landmark Infrastructure in February 2016 after almost twelve years as Leader of the Isotopes for Water research program. She is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and delivery of world class applied and translational research programs that utilise nuclear techniques to contribute to supporting a sustainable and healthier future.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM FAA FTSE FAHMS FRSN FIOR, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, University of Sydney
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a trailblazer in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering; a national leader in advancing collaborative research ventures between academics, clinicians, and industry in the field of musculoskeletal and biomaterials research. The focus of her lab is on the development of novel engineered synthetic materials and 3D printed platforms for regenerative medicine. Amongst other notable national and international awards, she was the 2019 ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology winner.
Macquarie University Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher
Pamela Ameglio GAICD FGSSA, Group Executive, ANSTO
Pamela Ameglio is an Executive leader with a background in technology, mining, geoscience, operational and corporate roles in public and private sector corporations and not-for-profits in Africa and Australasia. She focuses on the overlap of major projects and operations with stakeholder engagement and decision-making at the Executive and Board levels.
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, Director, STEM Careers Strategy, Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering; and Co-founder & Co-Chair, Women in STEMM Australia
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is a scientist, executive, board director and chair. Dr Evans-Galea has led international research programs in cell and gene therapy for genetic disease at world-leading organisations in the United States and Australia, and has received numerous awards for her research and leadership. A leading advocate for STEM research, innovation, inclusion and allyship, Marguerite oversees three of ATSE's STEM Careers initiatives – IMNIS, STELR and the $41.2 million Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM program.
Associate Professor Melissa Hart, Graduate Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, UNSW Sydney
Associate Professor Melissa Hart has developed a national, cross-institutional graduate program which has reimagined the traditional Australian PhD. The program has provided over 160 PhD students with the skills, knowledge, and experience fundamental to developing world leading climate science researchers. Her research looks at the impact of cities on climate and climate on cities, and the meteorological controls on air pollution. She is a strong advocate for gender equity in science and is a former chair of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society's equity and diversity committee.
Professor Grant Hose, Associate Dean Innovation, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University
Professor Grant Hose is an aquatic ecologist and ecotoxicologist. His research examines the response of groundwater ecosystems, invertebrate and microbial communities to environmental change, and develops tools for assessing change in ecosystem health and condition. Grant and his team undertake field surveys and laboratory manipulative experiments, to identify correlative and causal links to community change.
Professor Barry Pogson FAA, Director, ARC Training Centre for Future Crops, Australian National University and ARC Laureate Fellow
As Director of the ARC Training Centre for Future Crops, Professor Barry Pogson is focused on training the next generation of research leaders to build new capabilities for agriculture and food security. His research revealed crucial pathways by which communication between different parts of a plant cell to influence growth, development, photosynthesis and tolerance to drought. Prior to his current appointment at the Australian National University he worked at Arizona State University, CSIRO and undertook his PhD at Macquarie University.
UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
Professor Les Field AM FAA FRACI FRSC FRSN, UNSW
Professor Les Field AM served as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President of UNSW from February 2016 to December 2017. He was awarded a DSc in 1991 by the University of Sydney. He was Head of Chemistry at the University of Sydney from 1997 to 2001 and an elected member of the Senate of the University of Sydney from 2003 to 2005. He was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2011 for his services to Chemistry and to Higher Education in Australia.
Professor Kristofer Helgen, Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), Australian Museum
As AMRI Director, Professor Kristofer Helgen is responsible for more than 100 staff, including research scientists, collection scientists, collection officers and more than 130 associates, fellows and students, who research and explore the natural world. Before joining AMRI Kris was Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. His research has primarily focused on fieldwork with living animals and research in museum collections to document the richness of life, understand global change, and contribute to important problems in biomedicine.
Professor David Jamieson FAIP FIOP, Professor of Physics, University of Melbourne
Professor David Jamieson applies ion beam physics to build a revolutionary quantum computer constructed in silicon in the Australian Research Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. He has served as President of the Australian Institute of Physics and holds a Royal Society Wolfson visiting Fellowship to investigate engineered atomic quantum spins with UK colleagues. He often gives public lectures on fundamental issues in physics.
Professor Helene Marsh AO FAA FTSE FRZS, Emeritus Professor in Environmental Science and Professorial Fellow, James Cook University
Professor Helene Marsh is the world’s premier authority on the ecology and conservation biology of dugongs, receiving international and national recognition for her extensive research on their life history, reproductive ecology, population dynamics, diet, distribution, abundance and movements. She is currently the Lead for the Threatened and Migratory Species and Threatened Ecological Communities Initiative for the National Environmental Science Program based in the Resilient Landscapes Hub. She also chairs the national Threatened Species Scientific Committee and is a Vice-President and Secretary Biological Sciences of the Australian Academy of Science.
Leadership
Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
Professor Bryan Gaensler FAA, Director, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto
Professor Bryan Gaensler is an astronomer whose main research interests focus on cosmic magnetism, time-domain astrophysics and interstellar gas. In addition to his role at the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, he is the Canada Research Chair and Professor of Astronomy in the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Toronto, and the Director of the Canadian Initiative for Radio Astronomy Data Analysis (CIRADA). Bryan is also co-chair of the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE).
Professor Maria Kavallaris AM FAHMS FRSN, Head of Translational Cancer Nanomedicine, Children's Cancer Institute/Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney; and Founding Director Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney
Professor Maria Kavallaris is recognised for her innovation in driving multidisciplinary research in cancer nanomedicine. An outstanding scientific leader, she is internationally recognised for her research in cancer biology and therapeutics.
Professor Sharath Sriram, RMIT University
Professor Sharath Sriram is a science and research leader creating and delivering breakthrough technologies in nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical technologies. Focused on translating technology for healthcare, to bring science fiction to reality. Led and coordinated a $60 million multi-user, inter-disciplinary research facility. Active contributor to science policy with a focus on innovation and long-term strategy, early- and mid-career researchers, and diversity and inclusion.
Kylie Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)
Ms Kylie Walker works with expert Fellows to lead crucial national conversations and strategy towards a thriving, healthy and connected Australia supported by technology. She's the creator of the acclaimed Superstars of STEM program, a visiting Fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, was Chair of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, and in 2019, was named in the 100 Women of Influence list by the Australian Financial Review.
Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science
Professor Peter Andrews AO FTSE FAICD, Chairman, Implicit Bioscience Pty Ltd
Professor Peter Andrews is an Australian research scientist, biotechnology entrepreneur and was the first appointed Queensland Chief Scientist, holding the position from 2003 to 2010. In 2004, Peter was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) "for service to scientific research, particularly drug design, and to the development of an Australian research-based pharmaceutical industry". With Dr Fiona Q Wood, he co-authored ‘Uberpreneurs: How to Create Innovative Global Businesses and Transform Human Societies’ (2013), and is now an active mentor and supporter of young entrepreneurs.
Dr Sue Barrell AO FTSE GAICD, Director, Barrell Acumen
Dr Sue Barrell retired from Bureau of Meteorology in 2018 after a career that spanned forecasting, research, climate monitoring, international climate policy, global earth system observations, science leadership and governance, culminating as the Bureau's Chief Scientist. Sue serves on boards/committees across science, data, research infrastructure and education. Awarded an Order of Australia in 2022, ATSE fellow in 2013 and inaugural STA Superstar of STEM, Sue is passionate about encouraging and inspiring girls and women into STEM careers.
Emeritus Professor Mark Dodgson AO FASSA, University of Queensland; and Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Professor Mark Dodgson is an innovation researcher. Previously of the University of Queensland, Australian National University, and Sussex University. Extensive business and consultancy experience. Widely published. Winner of the 2007 Eureka Prize for Leadership in Business Innovation.
Dr Tony Lindsay FTSE, Director STELaRLab, Lockheed Martin Australia
Dr Tony Lindsay is one of Australia’s most respected defence scientists. After almost three decades with the Defence Department’s Defence Science & Technology Group, he left his position as a Division Chief and now is head of Lockheed Martin’s Science, Technology, Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory (STELaRLab).
University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers
Shirley Chowdhary, Non-Executive Director, Australian Associated Press
Shirley Chowdhary works to build collaborative ecosystems connecting shareholder value creation with purpose. She believes fiercely in Reconciliation as the best future for Australia, and in diversity and inclusion as tools for innovation. Her portfolio includes being a non-executive director on the board of the Australian Associated Press and Chair of the Advisory Board of Octadoc. She is also a keynote speaker for Saxton Speakers and is involved in a variety of mentoring and volunteering.
Professor David Day FAA, Emeritus Professor, Flinders University
Professor David Day is currently a Mathew Flinders Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Biology at Flinders University. Prior to this, he was Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at Flinders University. David has a strong track record over more than 30 years in obtaining research grants and managing successful research groups. He is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a member of the board of the Playford Trust of South Australia.
Dr Melina Georgousakis, Founding Director, Franklin Women
Dr Melina Georgousakis is a public health researcher in the area of infectious disease and immunisation. She completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Queensland, followed by a PhD and post-doctoral position at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. In 2012, she completed a Masters in Public Health at The University of Sydney, where she currently holds a conjoint appointment as Lecturer. She's the Founder of Franklin Women and won the 2021 University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.
Associate Professor, Bhuva Narayan, Graduate Research Coordinator, University of Technology Sydney
Associate Professor Bhuva Narayan is a transdisciplinary academic across Information Science, Digital Media Studies, and Social Sciences, with additional expertise in IT, HCI, and UX, and applies this expertise in the context of social justice issues. Before moving to academia, Bhuva spent over two decades in the book industry as a bookstore consultant, development editor, and publisher, and remains a proselytiser for books and learning in all forms. Bhuva was awarded the UTS Vice Chancellor's Research Excellence Award for Supervisor of the Year 2020-2021.
Science Engagement
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science
Professor Graham Durant AM, Director, Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre
Professor Graham Durant AM is an experienced museum and science centre leader with a distinguished academic background. Originally trained as a geologist at the University of Wales, he spent 25 years at the University of Glasgow where he played a major role in the establishment of the Glasgow Science Centre which opened in 2001. He joined Questacon as Director in 2003. Professor Durant is a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University and has been appointed to several boards in Australian and internationally.
Clare Goodall, Assistant Manager, STEM Engagement, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Clare Goodall holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration. She has over twenty years’ experience in delivering a wide range of science and industry programs and projects to support Australia’s economic growth through innovation.
Dr Erin Roger, Sector Lead, Atlas of Living Australia (CSIRO)
As Sector Lead for the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) Dr Erin Roger works to align and embed citizen science within the national bushfire response and enhance ALA's approach and engagement with the biosecurity sector. Before working for the ALA, Erin worked in climate change adaptation and knowledge management and has a PhD in Terrestrial Ecology.
Dr Jonathan Webb, Science Editor, ABC
Dr Jonathan Webb is a science journalist and broadcaster. He has a PhD in neuroscience from Oxford University. After leaving the lab he became a science reporter for BBC News. In 2016, he returned to Australia to run the ABC’s science unit, where he manages a team of specialist journalists and producers working across radio, podcasts and the web. Jonathan appears regularly on ABC radio and TV, including on RN Breakfast.
Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science
Duncan Challen, General Manager, Business Development, Celestino
Duncan Challen is a global and future oriented leader with significant commercial expertise in building and managing sales and marketing businesses across Asia Pacific, including having spent 3 years in China creating Shell Oil and Gas retail businesses with Chinese Joint Venture Partners. He also has extensive international trade and investment experience, having led the NSW Governments International Investment and Export organisations across 10 international markets. Duncan is now leading Celestino's business development and curation for the $5Billion Sydney Science Park greenfield mixed-use development.
Professor Lesley Hughes, Interim Executive Dean Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University
Professor Lesley Hughes is a climate change ecologist whose main research interest has been the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems, and the implications of climate change for conservation. She is a former Lead Author in the IPCC’s 4th and 5th Assessment Report, a Councillor and Director of the Climate Council of Australia; member of Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. She won the 2014 Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research.
Professor Joan Leach, Director, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), Australian National University
Professor Joan Leach has been the Director of CPAS since 2016. Her research and teaching centres on theories of the public in science communication, language and rhetoric in science (both in public and in technical contexts), and the challenge of ethics in science communication. Joan is a past president of Australian Science Communicators, a founding member of the American Association for the Rhetoric of Science and Technology, and Chair of the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science at the Australian Academy of Science.
Associate Professor Alice Motion, Westpac Research Fellow and Deputy Director Sydney Nano, University of Sydney
Associate Professor Alice Motion is a chemist and science communicator at the University of Sydney's School of Chemistry. Alice leads the Science Communication, Outreach, Participation and Education (SCOPE) research group who have the overarching goal of connecting people with science, making research more accessible. Alice is a Westpac Research Fellow and Deputy Director (Outreach and External Engagement) at the Sydney Nano Institute and was awarded the 2020 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
Dr Robyn Williams AO, Presenter, The Science Show, ABC’s Radio National
Dr Robyn Williams AO is a science journalist and presenter of Radio National’s Ockham’s Razor and The Science Show, one of the longest running programs on Australian radio. In 1993, Robyn was the first journalist elected as a Fellow Member of the Australian Academy of Science. He has honorary doctorates in science and law from a number of Australian universities. During his tenure as President of the Australian Museum Trust he founded the Eureka Prizes.
Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism
Dr Susannah Eliott, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Science Media Centre
Dr Susannah Eliott has a PhD in cell biology from Macquarie University, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and an honorary doctorate in science communication from the University of Adelaide. Susannah has more than 25 years of practical experience in science communication with the interface between science and the media being her primary focus. She is a Board member of the Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide, a member of the Inspiring South Australia Steering Group, and a regular contributor to ABC Radio National’s Drive program.
Dr Jenni Metcalfe, Director, Econnect Communication, Visiting Fellow, Australian National University
Dr Jenni Metcalfe has been science communicator for more than 33 years, she has worked as a journalist, practitioner, university lecturer and researcher. She is the author of numerous research papers and book chapters on science communication. Jenni was appointed President of the International Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network in June 2021. Jenni is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University's Centre for Public Awareness of Science. She is a member of the International Science Council's expert advisory group on the Public Value of Science.
Bruce Ritchie, Senior Manager, Communications & Events, Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
Bruce Ritchie is a former journalist and editor who spent over two decades working in magazine publishing. Since 2017 he’s worked in the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE). OCSE sits within the NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade and is tasked with delivering independent, high level scientific advice to the Premier and Ministers on policy issues, providing R&D support and guiding industry development. Bruce manages communications for both internal and external stakeholders, and oversees OCSE’s STEM outreach programs and events, including the annual Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering and the bimonthly Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series.
Marcus Strom, Corporate Communications Manager, Gelion
Marcus Strom has been a journalist and communications professional for more than 25 years. He is on secondment from his role as science media adviser at the University of Sydney to work at Gelion, the renewable energy storage company started by Eureka Prize winner Professor Thomas Maschmeyer. Marcus is a former president of MEAA Media and for 13 years was a senior journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald in roles including Science Editor.
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion
Manuwuri Traceylee Forester, Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
Manuwuri Traceylee Forester has dedicated her life to assisting Traditional Owner Groups reach their aspirations of self-management, self-determination and strong governance. She was appointed as the first Indigenous Board Secretariat for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, serving a 5-year term. She then returned to Cape York, Queensland and worked tirelessly for her people (the Lama Lama People) as the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) Coordinator – helping manage Sea Country. In her current role, she helps Traditional Owners connect with AIMS to build partnerships, access better science and research, leading to opportunities to value Traditional Knowledge and Western Science.
Mitra Gusheh, Executive Manager, Social Impact, University of Technology Sydney
Mitra Gusheh is a social impact practitioner with 20 years of experience across the higher education and social sectors. She currently leads the Social Impact team, who facilitate the connection between community and the university and work to build capacity and enable enhanced contribution to society. Previously, Mitra was an Academic with the School of Design, Architecture and Building at UTS. She has also worked for a range of not-for profit organisations where she was responsible for the strategic design, development and implementation of large-scale social change programs.
Thea McKenzie, Acting Assistant Manager, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
In her role as an Assistant Manager (Science Policy) Thea McKenzie works to improve equity, including gender equity, in STEM and has spent the last few years on a range of initiatives including the STEM Equity Monitor, the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program, the Women in STEM Ambassador and the new Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM scholarship program.
Associate Professor Erica Southgate, Associate Professor of Emerging Technologies for Education, University of Newcastle Associate
Professor Erica Southgate is an equity champion, maker of computer games for literacy learning, a technology ethicist, and lead researcher on the ‘VR School Study’, the longest-running research on embedding immersive virtual reality into classrooms. Her latest book is ‘Virtual Reality in Curriculum and Pedagogy: Evidence from Secondary Classrooms’ (Routledge).
School Science
University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize
Brandon Gifford, Reptile Keeper, Australia Zoo
Born and bred in Casino, NSW. Brandon Gifford grew up with a deep love, passion and interest in wildlife, its environment and communicating the incredible science behind our natural world. This led him to become a three time University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize winner for his films on snakes, lizards and spiders. Working as a zookeeper Brandon gets to work with an array of native and exotic wildlife. He is undertaking a Bachelor of Wildlife Science and his goal is to be a wildlife conservationist: communicating new research on the species we share our planet with.
Alexander Kammer, Head Teacher (Science), Asquith Girls High School
Alexander Kammer is the Head Teacher of the faculty of Science at Asquith Girls High School. An alumnus from The University of Sydney, he found his passion for educating whilst teaching and conducting research in the School of Chemistry. Seeking to instil the value of education and drive for scientific inquiry, he leads collaborations with industry and educational leaders to develop strong educational programs to build students as lifelong learners.
Dr Penny Palmer, Executive Producer, ABC Television
Dr Penny Palmer has a PhD in Marine Science, spent 15 years at the BBC producing and directing science, business and history content and now runs Catalyst, the ABC's award-winning science documentary series and executive produces their science short form strands.
Professor Jennifer Potts, Head of School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney
Professor Jennifer Potts is a structural biologist; her lab studies proteins found on the surface of bacteria to understand their role in infection. She is a University of Sydney graduate (BSc and PhD) who spent much her academic career in the UK at both the University of Oxford and the University of York. She is now Head of the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney.
