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 during April, May and June (exact dates vary each year)
- In the first round, judges independently review each entry against the assessment criteria and provide a score and comment/s.
- 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 2025 AM Eureka Prizes.
Research and Innovation
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Eureka Prize for Environmental Research
Laura Babian, Associate Executive Director, Science and Insights, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Laura Babian is currently acting Executive Director, Science and Insights, leading the provision of integrated and practical environmental science and insights for NSW Government. She has worked for NSW government across the environment portfolio for more than 20 years. Laura has qualifications in applied physical geography, environmental horticulture and public administration.
Dr Emma Camp, Future Reefs Team Leader, University of Technology Sydney
Dr Emma Camp is a marine biologist and the Team Leader of the Future Reefs Team at the University of Technology Sydney. Emma is considered a leading coral expert, with her work focused on utilising scientific capacity to help preserve and re-build reefs. She has received numerous awards for her research, including the 2023 WINGS Women in Discovery Award, the 2021 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher and in 2020 was named a Next Generation Leader by Time Magazine
Dr Mark Eldridge, Senior Principal Research Scientist, Australian Museum Research Institute
Dr Mark Eldridge is a molecular ecologist with over 30 years research experience in phylogeny, taxonomy, population genetics and conservation biology of marsupials and other Australasian terrestrial vertebrates. He currently leads a research group at the Australian Museum Research Institute and is on the Editorial Board of Australian Mammalogy. He has a PhD from Macquarie University and received an ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship.
Professor Bronwyn Gillanders FTSE, Head of School, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide
Professor Bronwyn Gillanders is currently Head of School of Biological Sciences and has previously been Deputy Dean Research in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. She is a biologist with 30 years of research experience focused primarily on marine ecosystems. She is a fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and serves on several advisory boards related to environmental issues. She is passionate about training the next generation of researchers.
Australian Institute of Botanical Science Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science
Professor Tony Auld, Honorary Professorial Fellow, UNSW; and University of Wollongong
Professor Tony Auld is an Honorary Professorial Fellow with both the Center for Ecosystem Science, UNSW and the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong. He is a recent past President of the Australian Network for Plan Conservation. He has worked in conservation for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, Tony's focus has been to examine how to effectively manage a range of threats impacting the conservation of plant species and their habitats across a range of ecosystems, from arid to coastal to offshore islands.
Dr Margaret Byrne PSM, Science Expert
Dr Margaret Byrne is a leader in science for evidence-based approaches to conservation management and policy. She is recognised as an international expert in genomics whose research informs biodiversity conservation strategies. She has a PhD in Botany from The University of Western Australia and holds an adjunct professorial position at The University of Western Australia. She was recognised for her science leadership with a Public Service Medal in 2023 and is a Life Member of the Genetics Society of AustralAsia.
Professor David Cantrill, Chief Botanist and Executive Director Science, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Before joining the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Professor David Cantrill worked as Senior Curator at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and as a Senior Research Scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. He serves on several advisory boards including the Atlas of Living Australia. His research focus is on the evolutionary history of the Southern Hemisphere flora, and integrating the fossil and living record to understand current patterns of plant distribution. He is passionate about plants and their conservation as without plants there is no life on our planet.
Dr Cathy Offord, Head of Australian PlantBank Research, Botanic Gardens of Sydney; and Adjunct Professor, UNSW
As Head of Research at the Australian PlantBank, Cathy leads the scientific programs, staff, students and laboratories at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. The role delivers conservation biology research and on-ground deliverables primarily for NSW government and the restoration and horticultural sectors, collaborating with industry, universities and other scientific organisations. As Senior Principal Research Scientist, her research focusses on developing best practice techniques for conserving and restoring Australia’s unique floral diversity, as well as contributing to Australian and international conservation initiatives.
University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science
Professor Alison Beavis GAICD, Director, Education, Innovation and Partnerships, UNSW Sydney
Professor Alison Beavis is a forensic chemist and passionate education leader. Currently the Director of Education, Innovation and Partnerships at UNSW Sydney, she leads a team who work in collaboration with Faculties to create exceptional student experiences. Prior to commencing this role, she was the Deputy Dean Education at UNSW Science. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to education and research including multiple national teaching citations and the 2019 UTS Teaching and Research Medal.
Sophie Goldsmith, Director, National Institute of Forensic Science
As Director for National Institute of Forensic Science, Sophie collaborates with 20 forensic agencies across Australia and New Zealand to advance capability, innovation and reliability of forensic sciences for police, justice and the community.
An accomplished leader with experience in national security policy, she has driven science and innovation strategies of national significance. As a forensic officer with the Australian Federal Police, she responded to counter terrorism and disaster victim identification operations across South East Asia, the Pacific, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Adjunct Professor Alastair Ross, Senior Lecturer, Monash University; and Adjunct Professor, University of Tasmania
Alastair is a former director of the ANZPAA National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS), Australia being the inaugural Director from 1992 to 2003. From 2003 to 2008 Alastair was Director of the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, a full-service forensic facility with over 300 staff. He returned as director of NIFS from 2008 to 2015. Alastair holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Master of Applied Science (Research) from the University of South Australia. Alastair received the Adelaide Medal from the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) for international contributions to forensic science in 2002 and the John Harber Phillips Award in 2017. He is a life member of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Alastair is currently working part time at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) and Monash University. He holds the position of Adjunct Professor at the University of Tasmania and is a Fellow of the Leverhulme Institute, University of Dundee, Scotland.
Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde OAM, Director of Forensic Science Queensland
Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde OAM is a recognised leader in forensic science with over 28 years’ experience. Currently she holds a Statuary Officer role as the Director of Forensic Science Queensland. Linzi has worked on legislative reform, policy development, the investigation of high-profile murder cases, cold case reviews, mass DNA screen, and led the DNA analysis for the response to the 2002 Bali Bombing. Linzi is passionate about advancing forensic science and was integral to the development of Australian and international Standards for forensic science. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion she created the Engender Change program and has received numerous awards for her achievements.
Aspire Scholarship Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
Emily Kelly, Senior Business Development Manager, Business Events Perth
With 18 years of experience in business development, marketing, and relationship management, Emily is a Senior Business Development Manager at Business Events Perth. Based in Sydney, she works with diverse clients and stakeholders to secure major conferences and events in Western Australia. A West Australian native, Emily has a strong background in the hospitality and events industry, having worked across hotels, convention centres, arenas, and government agencies.
Dr Sarina Macfadyen, Principle Research Scientist, CSIRO
Dr Sarina Macfadyen leads the Agroeocology team in CSIRO Agriculture and Food and she has a long history of conducting ecological studies in diverse production systems. She is passionate about using scientific research to help develop management options for farmers that improve the sustainability and profitability of their farms. She has worked in many systems from grain production landscapes in southern Australia, to cassava landscapes in East Africa. She is especially interested in how we can use arthropods more to address major food system challenges.
Professor Laura Poole-Warren AM FTSE FAIMBE FRSN FBSE, UNSW Sydney; and Director, Tyree Institute of Health Engineering
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.
Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software
Professor Elanor Huntington FTSE, Executive Director - Digital, National Facilities & Collections, CSIRO
Professor Elanor Huntington has stewardship of a range of CSIRO business lines including Data61, Space and Astronomy, and National Collections and Marine Infrastructure and is a member of the CSIRO Executive Team. She leads major national research infrastructure and the data-focused research, development and digital capability of CSIRO. Elanor holds a PhD in experimental quantum optics and has held Board appointments to Industry Innovation and Science Australia, Significant Capital Ventures, Questacon, Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering, AARNet, Pawsey Supercomputing, and NCI Australia. She is a Fellow of ATSE and an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia.
Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen, Director, Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology
Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen has devoted over 30 years to the advancement of Bayesian statistics, which enables combination of diverse data sources and prior information for dynamic probabilistic learning. She has initiated new directions in the merger of Bayesian analysis with machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and led the growth of data science in Australia. She established one of Australia’s first university centres in Data Science, and founded the Australian Data Science Network linking 40+ research entities across the nation.
Dr Ian Oppermann, Co-founder, ServiceGen; and Industry Professor, University of Technology Sydney
Dr. Ian Oppermann is co-founder of ServiceGen, an Industry Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and member of the board for multiple deep technology start-ups. Ian is also the Chair of the Commonwealth’s Data Standards Committee and an Advisor to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. From 2015 to 2023, Ian was the NSW Government’s inaugural Chief Data Scientist (CDS) and was the founding CEO of the NSW Data Analytics Centre (DAC).
Professor Liz Sonenberg, Pro Vice Chancellor (Systems Innovation), University of Melbourne
Professor Liz Sonenberg is a researcher in artificial intelligence, an experienced university leader, and board director. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Research Contribution in the 2020 Australasian AI Awards and from 2019-2025 was a member of the international Standing Committee of the One Hundred Year Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI100). Liz has held advisory board roles in several national digital research infrastructure initiatives, is a member of the National Digital Research Infrastructure Working Group and is the inaugural Chair of the National Research Infrastructure Advisory Group.
Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research
Professor Dee Carter, Professor of Microbiology, University of Sydney
Professor Dee Carter conducts research on fungal pathogens and is particularly interested in the intersection between fungal ecology and human disease. Her lab also works to develop novel antifungal strategies and therapies, with a focus on using natural products as synergents to enhance conventional treatments
Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM, Director and CEO, Hudson Institute of Medical Research; and Head, Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University
Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM is a leading Australian microbiologist with a research interest in defining how pathogenic bacteria evade immune detection. She is an honorary Distinguished Professor of Hokkaido University, Japan, President of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) and member of NHMRC Council. In 2024, Professor Hartland was a recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King's Birthday Honours list and elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Professor Peter Revill, Head of Regional and Global Health, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity; and Head, Hepatitis B Cure Laboratory
Professor Peter Revill, AM, is Head of Regional and Global Health at VIDRL at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, where he is also head of International Partnerships. Professor Revill has a strong national and international reputation in hepatitis B virus (HBV) virology and in 2016 he co-founded the global HBV cure initiative, the International Coalition to Eliminate Hepatitis B (ICE-HBV). In 2021 he was appointed theme leader in Virology by the Australian Society for Microbiology and in 2022 he was recognized in the Queens Birthday Order of Australia honors for services to Microbiology and Immunology.
Professor Mark Walker, Professor, Centre for Superbugs Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
Professor Mark Walker is a NHMRC Leadership Fellow L3 who undertakes research tracking and understanding outbreaks of the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, and the development of a vaccine for human use.
He was also the leader of the StrepA Outbreak Prevention Team, winners of the 2024 Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research.
ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology
Dr Nick Cerneaz GAICD, Head of Engineering, Australian Astronomical Optics, Macquarie University
Dr Nick Cerneaz has over 30-years experience commercializing and deploying academic ideas, turning them into working products, finding markets and making societal contributions. Today he leads the engineering endeavours of the world class Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) group developing unique scientific instrumentation for the professional astronomy research market. This builds on earlier work in cryogenics and heavy production environments in pulp/paper/packing and fleet maintenance, medical device developments and industrial computer vision applications.
Dr Elliot Duff, Robotics Research Consultant, 7thWave Consulting
For over 25 years, I have developed field robotics and commercial navigation systems for autonomous machines in complex environments. I led the development of Zebedee, the first handheld 3D mapping system, and later directed CSIRO’s Autonomous Systems Program, overseeing field robotics, sensor networks, and Spatial AI. Now, as an independent research consultant, I remain passionate about robotics, innovation, and advanced manufacturing in Australia.
Dr Karina Meredith, Director Environmental Research and Technology Group, ANSTO
Dr Karina Meredith is the Director of the Environment Research and Technology Group at ANSTO. In this role, she leads a team of environmental scientists who deliver unique and innovative solutions for managing environmental challenges of our time. Karina holds a PhD from the UNSW and is an Adjunct Professor. She collaborates on projects that use a variety of cutting-edge environmental tracing technologies to develop science-based solutions for a sustainable future. Recent research projects include understanding the role of groundwater in contributing to kidney disease and discovering how lakes are responding to climate change in Antarctica.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, 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 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher
Professor Hannah Brown, Chief Idea Sparkler, Sparkle Ideas Lab; and Consultant, Flinders University
Hannah is an Adelaide born and educated, internationally trained, executive leader in the research, development and innovation sector. She is the Chief Idea Sparkler and Founder of Sparkle Ideas Lab, a strategy and innovation consultancy offering bespoke services to a range of national clients.
Professor Melissa Hart, Associate Director Training and Leadership, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes and Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
Professor Melissa Hart has led and developed national, cross-institutional researcher development programs in three ARC Centres of Excellence. Her programs have provided over 400 PhD students with the skills, knowledge, and experience fundamental to developing world leading climate science researchers. Internationally, she is the co-chair of the World Climate Research Programme training academy. 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, Professor, Head of School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
Professor Grant Hose is an aquatic ecologist and ecotoxicologist. As Associate Dean, Innovation in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, he brings experience working in industry, government and academia to facilitate successful collaborative partnerships. In research, Grant and his team examine the response of groundwater ecosystems, invertebrate and microbial communities to environmental change, and through field surveys and laboratory manipulative experiments they develop tools for assessing change in ecosystem health and condition.
Pamela Naidoo-Ameglio, Group Executive Nuclear Operations & Nuclear Medicine, ANSTO; and Science Advisory Board Member, Australian Museum
Pamela Naidoo-Ameglio is an executive leader, scientist, board member and volunteer. Her background in geosciences, mining and exploration, technology implementation, people development and stakeholder engagement has contributed to the mining industry and Australia’s nuclear industry for the past 30 years. She is responsible for the OPAL research reactor, nuclear medicine production and radioactive waste at ANSTO. Pamela inspires teams to strive for safe, sustainable operations and continuous improvement and innovation. She is a committed mentor and advocate for STEM and diversity.
Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia
Professor Lorenzo Faraone AM FAIP FIEEE FAA FTSE, University of Western Australia
Professor Lorenzo Faraone has published 300+ journal papers, and supervised 40+ PhD student completions. He is Head of the Microelectronics Research Group (MRG) at the University of Western Australia (UWA), and Director of the WA Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). Prior to joining UWA, he worked on silicon CMOS-based microelectronics with RCA Labs in Princeton, USA. Since joining UWA he has worked on compound semiconductor materials and devices, as well as optical MEMS technologies for infrared spectroscopy and imaging applications.
Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director, Defence Trailblazer
Dr Sanjay Mazumdar is the Executive Director of The Defence Trailblazer, a $250 million enterprise powered by the University of Adelaide and UNSW, with funding from the Australian Government through the Trailblazer Universities Program, as well as university and industry partners. Prior to this role, Sanjay spent over 30 years in technology leadership including as a Partner at KPMG, CEO of Data to Decisions CRC and Head of Engineering at BAE Systems.
Professor Kate Stevens FRSN, Director, MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour & Development, Western Sydney University
Professor Kate Stevens, a cognitive scientist, is Director of MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour & Development at Western Sydney University. The MARCS Institute investigates humans interacting with each other, their environment, and technology.
Kathryn Toohey AM CSC, Non Executive Director
Kathryn Toohey retired from the Australian Army after 36 years service in early 2023. She attained the rank of major general having specialised in capability development for the last 20 years of her career. In her last appointment this included consideration of the impact of emerging technologies on military modernisation. She holds an honours degree in Electrical Engineering and several postgraduate qualifications including an Executive Masters in Business Administration. She is now on the board of several Australian Defence companies.
UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
Professor Les Field AM FAA FRACI FRSC FRSN, Professor of Chemistry, UNSW
Professor Les Field AM served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President of UNSW from April 2005 to December 2017. He is a graduate of the University of Sydney (PhD in Chemistry in 1979) with Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and at Oxford. His main areas of research are organometallic chemistry, catalysis and NRM spectroscopy. He is the author of more than 220 scientific papers and 4 text books.
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 FQA FRZS, Emeritus Professor, James Cook University
Professor Helene Marsh is a conservation biologist with 50 years’ experience in research into threatened species conservation, management and policy, especially tropical coastal and riverine megafauna. Her contributions have been recognised with an Order of Australia and Fellowships of the Australian Academies of Science and Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Royal Zoological Society and the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences and several prestigious international awards.
Professor Sarah A Robertson AO FAA FAHMS, NHMRC Investigator Fellow, University of Adelaide
Professor Sarah Robertson is an NHMRC Investigator Fellow and biomedical scientist at the Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide. She is an internationally-awarded reproduction scientist, with expertise on the events of conception and early development. Sarah is an elected Fellow of The Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy for Health and Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology, and a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Reproduction (US). In 2024 she was awarded an Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical research, particularly reproductive biology and immunology and to professional societies.
University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research
Associate Professor Emma Aisbett, Australian National University, College of Law, Governance and Policy; and Associate Director, ANU Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Initiative
Emma Aisbett is Associate Professor at the ANU School of Law and Associate Director (Research) of the ANU Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific initiative. With degrees in Chemical Engineering (B.Eng. UNSW), Environmental Change and Management (MSc., Oxon.) and Economics (PhD, Berkeley) Emma brings an innately interdisciplinary perspective to research on sustainability. In addition to publishing in leading academic journals, she collaborates and provides expertise to leading organisations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, OECD, UNCTAD, WEF and Australian Government.
Penny Barker, General Manager Sustainability, Stockland
Penny has more than 20 years’ experience in sustainability and environmental leadership, spanning a range of sectors including government, property, infrastructure, transportation and energy. She holds deep experience in climate transition planning and disclosures and is passionate about collaborating to accelerate net zero and circular economy outcomes in a way that is fair and equitable for communities. In her current role she is responsible for setting Stockland’s ESG Strategy and ensuring integration across the business, together with effective engagement and reporting on outcomes to stakeholders. She supports and advises the business on execution in an evolving and complex market.
Nick Boyle, Executive Director - Taronga Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Nick Boyle is the Executive Director of Taronga Zoo. He has 24 years’ experience working in the zoo and aquarium industry and serves on a number of conservation-based Boards, including as a non-Executive Director of Jane Goodall Institute Australia and the Zoo and Aquarium Association. Nick holds degrees in biological sciences, communications and law, and completed the Cambridge University Prince of Wales’ Executive Leader Sustainability and Business Program as a scholarship recipient.
Professor Kate Jolliffe FAA, Payne-Scott Professor and Associate Dean Research, University of Sydney
Katrina (Kate) Jolliffe is a supramolecular chemist who received her BSc (1993) and PhD (1997) from the University of New South Wales. She held positions at Twente University, The Netherlands; the University of Nottingham, UK and the Australian National University before moving to the University of Sydney in 2002 as an Australian Research Council QEII fellow. She currently holds the position of Payne-Scott Professor at The University of Sydney and is the Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Science.
Leadership
Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
Associate Professor Kristin Carson-Chahhoud PhD MSPPM MAICD, Managing Director, Houd Research Group; and Director of Research, Women's and Children's Hospital, Respiratory and Sleep Department.
Associate Professor Kristin Carson-Chahhoud is Managing Director of Houd Research Group and Director of Research for the WCHN Respiratory Department. A health researcher, policy advisor, and science communicator, she has 16+ years’ experience across clinical, translational, and public health research. Kristin has led national and international initiatives in respiratory health, implementation science, AI innovation, and policy. With 130+ publications and $10M+ in funding, she has shaped guidelines worldwide. A past Eureka Prize winner, she champions co-design and mentors emerging leaders.
Julie Ellmers, Acting Director, Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum
Newly appointed to the role of Acting Director of AMRI, Julie is part of the Australian Museum's Executive Leadership Team. Previously, as Associate Director of AMRI, she lead the Life and Geosciences Branch, and facilitated the pursuit of high-quality research and collection management, taking oversight of the Australian Museum’s natural science collections. Before joining the Museum, Julie was Chief Operating Officer for the ARC Centre of Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH), headquartered at the University of Wollongong.
Professor Sharath Sriram FIEAust, Professor, RMIT University; and President, Science & Technology Australia
Professor Sharath Sriram is a science and research leader creating and delivering breakthrough technologies in nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical technologies.
Sharath led and coordinated a $60 million multi-user, inter-disciplinary research facility for micro- and nano-fabrication. He is currently leading medical device prototyping and scale-up manufacturing initiatives, as Director of the Discovery to Device Facility. He is the President of Science & Technology Australia and an active contributor to science policy with a focus on innovation and long-term strategy, research translation and commercialisation, and support for early- and mid-career researchers.
Professor Paul Wood AO FTSE, Director, ATSE and Adjunct Professor, Monash University
Professor Paul Wood AO has led R&D teams for CSIRO, CSL and Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis) and was Deputy-Director of the Vaccine Technology CRC. He brought several innovative products to the market, receiving recognition for his work to invent a new diagnostic test for Tuberculosis, including the CSIRO Medal, the Clunies Ross award, made an Officer in the Order of Australia and received the 2022 University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.
Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science
Professor Matthew Bailes FAA, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), Swinburne University of Technology
Professor Matthew Bailes is an astrophysicist who leads the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery and is based at Swinburne University of Technology. He is a prolific discoverer of radio pulsars and in 2023 was recognised for his role in the discovery of the first Fast Radio Burst (FRB) with the awarding of the Shaw Prize in Astronomy. In 2024 he was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Science for his discoveries and leadership.
Dr Janin Bredehoeft, Chief Executive Officer, Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)
Dr Janin Bredehoeft is an economist specializing in academic labour markets. Previously leading work at Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) before joining SAGE. Passionate about data-driven, systemic change, she has helped expand SAGE’s impact, supporting institutions to improve gender equity, increase diversity in STEMM, and influence national policy.
Dr Catherine Foley AO PSM
Dr Foley is an internationally recognised Australian physicist and served as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist from January 2021 to December 2024.
Prior to this, she had an extensive research and management career at CSIRO and was CSIRO’s Chief Scientist from 2018-2021, and is a current CSIRO Board Director.
Dr Foley is committed to helping Australia realise the transformative potential of critical technologies and meet the climate challenge. She is an inspiration to women in STEM across the globe and focused strongly on equality and diversity in the science sector.
Dr Foley joined the Australian Museum Trust on 1 January 2025.
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE FAICD, President, Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe is an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director serving on the boards of a variety of organisations including listed, government and for-purpose organisations across a broad range of innovation-dependent industries especially healthcare, renewable energy and climate science. She has been cited as one of Australia's most influential people in innovation and is currently the President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).
University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers
Dr Sue Barrell AO FTSE, Independent Chair/Director, Barrell Acumen
Dr Sue Barrell retired in 2018 after 38 years with the Bureau of Meteorology, her final role being the Bureau’s Chief Scientist. Sue contributed significantly to national and international efforts in climate science, climate policy, integrated earth observations, data infrastructure and data policy. Sue continues her commitment to research infrastructure, leadership, diversity and equity through boards and related roles across the scientific, technology and education sectors, and as an advocate for empowering girls and women to pursue science careers and become confident leaders.
Colm Halbert, Executive Manager Research Capability and Development, University of Technology Sydney.
Colm Halbert is the Executive Manager of the Research Capability and Development Team at UTS.
With a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked with senior management at the faculty and institutional levels, and individual researchers to develop successful research funding pipelines with a goal to increase research funding performance. He has conceptualised and implemented several research, and researcher development plans to enhance institutional performance which has included strategies to maximise funding success and increase external engagement; workshops and resources to build researcher capability; and tailored career development advice for researchers at all career stages.
Professor Barry Pogson FAA, Director, Australian Research Council Centre for Future Crops, Australian National University
Professor Barry Pogson FAA is the Director of the Australian Research Council Centre for Future Crops, which is focused on training and mentoring the next generation in new genetic technologies, inclusive of societal expectations. He is also an ARC Laureate Fellow in SynBio for developing “smart” crops using synthetic biology that are higher-yielding and more resilient. Pogson’s academic career includes a PhD at Macquarie University, postdoctoral fellow at U. of Arizona, prior to joining ANU.
Professor Renae Ryan AM, Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Sydney
Professor Renae Ryan received her PhD from the University of Sydney in 2004 and completed postdoctoral work with at Columbia University and the National Institutes of Health. Renae leads a research team that investigates the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter and amino acid transporters and their role in cancer and neurological diseases, such as episodic ataxia. She has received several awards for scientific excellence, mentoring and outreach including the Nancy Millis Medal from the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Mentoring of Young Researchers in 2023.
Science Engagement
Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science
Dr Annie Lane, Chair, Australian Citizen Science Association
Dr Annie Lane is a passionate citizen scientist and conservationist. She is the chair of the Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA), which advocates for the inclusion of citizen science in policy and practice. Annie also chairs a community citizen science network, is an active citizen scientist, and serves as a Landcare coordinator. A terrestrial ecologist with over 30 years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, she most recently served as the Executive Director for Environment in the ACT Government.
Bianka Probert, Assistant Manager, Science Engagement Policy, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Bianka Probert supports the development of Government policy to encourage all Australians to engage in STEM through her current role in Science Engagement Policy at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Bianka's current focus is the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, recently leading the policy development for the new Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. Before working at DISR Bianka spent over 20 years conducting research to inform Australian Defence Force nutrition and feeding policy. Bianka has a Master of Public Health from Curtin University.
Dr Vikki Schaffer, Senior Lecturer, University of the Sunshine Coast
Vikki has a strong interest in conservation (Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 14) with research that links this to citizen science. With a transdisciplinary approach to increase practical outcomes for inclusive citizen science. Vikki takes a highly collaborative approach, working with industry, government, and community at all levels (Sustainable Development Goal 17). Sustainable and regenerative tourism and business, innovation and design thinking-based solutions underpin her passion for researcher, community, and volunteering and drive to enthusiastically develop and share knowledge and expertise that values people, places and environments.
Kelly Sheldrick, Citizen Science Program Manager, Conservation Council of WA
Kelly Sheldrick is an ecologist, science communicator, and the Citizen Science Program Manager at the Conservation Council of Western Australia. She leads community-based conservation projects and works to raise awareness of often-overlooked species, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Specialising in ecoacoustics, environmental education, and small mammal conservation—with a focus on bats—Kelly is also a committee member of the Australian Citizen Science Association WA, first vice president of the Australasian Bat Society, and co-lead of the WA Bat Network.
Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science
Duncan Challen, General Manager, Corporate & Special Projects, 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 Donna Green, Professor, UNSW Sydney
Professor Donna Green is a distinguished scholar in the field of interdisciplinary environmental science, specialising in the renewable energy transition, air pollution, climate change and sustainability. With over two decades of experience in academia, she has published numerous ground-breaking research papers and contributed significantly to the understanding of environmental issues. Professor Green is known for her innovative approaches to teaching and her passion for inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. Her work has been recognised with several prestigious awards, highlighting her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
Professor Joan Leach, Director, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University
Professor Joan Leach has been Director of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the ANU since 2016. Her research and teaching centres on theories of the public in science communication, language and rhetoric in science, and the challenge of ethics in science communication. Her current research projects include working toward responsible innovation in plant synthetic biology (ARC ITTC for Future Plants) and envisioning openness in Australian stem cell research (EOAR). She has been past president of Australian Science Communicators, is elected member of the international public communication of science and technology (PCST) association and is an advisor to the UN FAO.
Professor Alice Motion, Professor of Science and Culture, University of Sydney
Professor Alice Motion leads research and practice in science communication at the University of Sydney's School of Chemistry. Alice heads the Science Communication, Outreach, Participation and Education (SCOPE) Research Group who share the overarching goal of connecting people with science and making research more accessible. Alice was awarded the 2020 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
Dr Robyn Williams AO FAA, Presenter, The Science Show, ABC’s Radio National; and Deputy Chair, Australian Science Media Centre
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
Jasmine Chambers GAICD, Chair & Co-founder, Ocean Decade Australia; and President-Elect, Science & Technology Australia
Jas works at the intersection of nature, science, business and policy, challenging the barriers to coordinated and collaborative efforts that can transform society and the economy. For 21 years she worked with thousands of scientists, students, and leaders globally, shaping education opportunities and building research partnerships and funding. At the Bureau of Meteorology Jas led international science diplomacy. Recognising a crucial gap in Australian ocean governance in 2021 Jas co-founded Ocean Decade Australia. Jas is President-elect of Science & Technology Australia.
Peter Dockrill, Managing Editor, ScienceAlert
Peter Dockrill is an award-winning science and technology journalist. He’s written and edited thousands of articles for ScienceAlert since joining the company in 2015, and has led the editorial team as managing editor since 2022. With a background in law and technology media, Peter’s work has appeared in Money, APC, TechLife, PC User, The Laws of Australia, and The Newcastle Law Review.
Dr Susannah Eliott FTSE, 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.
Marcus Strom, Science Media Adviser, University of Sydney
Marcus Strom has been a journalist and communications professional for more than 25 years. He is currently the Science Media Adviser at the University of Sydney. 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. For six months to February 2023 he was on secondment as Press Secretary to the Federal Minister for Industry and Science.
UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact of Science
Professor Asha Bowen OAM, Team Leader, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention, The Kids Research Institute Australia; and Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service
Professor Asha Bowen OAM is a clinician scientist working across the Perth Children’s Hospital as a paediatric infectious disease specialist and The Kids Research Institute Australia as Head of the Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention Team. Asha has more than 15 years’ experience leading infectious diseases research and investigator-initiated clinical trials focused on issues significant to Aboriginal child health. Asha is currently the President of WSPID, the first ever female President and inspiration in the 30 years of the society’s history. Asha received the Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science in 2020.
Professor Justin Gooding FTSE FAHMS FAA, Scientia Professor, UNSW Sydney
Scientia Professor Justin Gooding, FAA, FTSE, FAHMS from UNSW is an ARC Australian Industry Laureate Fellow. He leads a research team of over 40 researchers interested in nanotechnology and nanomedicine. He has been involved in the commercialisation of glucose biosensors, 3D bioprinters and an in vivo sensing platform for therapeutic drug monitoring. Amongst other awards he is a 3 time Eureka Prize winner in Scientific Research, mentoring and Innovation Use of Technology.
Professor Karen Hapgood FTSE, Professor, Swinburne University of Technology
Professor Karen Hapgood is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at Swinburne University of Technology. She has used her chemical engineering background to build a blended career of 7 years in industry in Australia and the US, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing, plus a 15-year university research and leadership career with a common thread of manufacturing, R&D and STEM. She is a Fellow of ATSE, IChemE, RACI and Engineers Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Professor Angel Lopez AO FAHMS FAA, Head, Human Immunology, SA Pathology
Prof Lopez is an international expert on the immune system who has made several breakthrough discoveries on the underlying causes of diseases such as allergic inflammation and cancer. He leads a very passionate group of researchers who aim to translate their findings into better health outcomes Their work has underpinned the development of novel diagnostic tools as well as potential therapeutics in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry. The impact of the work has been recognised by his election to the Australian Academy of Science and by being made an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion
Anna Antonopoulos, Science Policy Manager, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Anna Antonopoulos is a Manager in Science Policy at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). She leads the Inspiring Australia Science Engagement Programs and is committed to developing inclusive science strategies that advocate for, grow, and benefit the sector. With over 16 years of experience in the Australian Public Service, Anna emphasises evidence-based, data-driven policy work. Her previous roles include positions at the Defence Science and Technology Group and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre. Anna's educational background spans communication, arts, psychology, and professional writing.
Melita Grant, Associate Director Researcher, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
Melita Grant specialises in integrated water resources management with a focus on gender equality and inclusion. She has worked for over 23 years’ in local and state government, civil society and university sectors. With an academic background in environmental management and international relations, Melita has expertise in a range of sustainable development issues, and has applied this across the Indo-Pacific and Australia.
Sally McPhee, Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships, Griffith University
Sally McPhee is an award-winning, dynamic STEM leader and a champion for women and girls in STEM. With over a decade of experience, she has led transformative initiatives and drives significant partnerships in STEM. Sally was recognised for her contributions to this sector at a state level, awarded the Queensland’s Women in STEM Prize (Highly Commended) in 2021. Currently, as the Senior Manager – Strategic Partnerships at Griffith University she leads the strategic development and delivery of impactful STEM-based partnerships.
Manuwuri Forester, Indigenous Cultural Leader, Australian Institute of Marine Science
Manuwuri, from the Lama Lama and Nywaigi Clans in Northern Queensland, is the Indigenous Cultural Leader at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
A passionate advocate for the sharing of Traditional Owners’ knowledge and building partnerships with Western Science practitioners, so that both science opportunities are realised, supported and acknowledged. She is also Co-Chair of the ReefTO Taskforce and serves on various advisory groups, including with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
School Science
University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize
Kylie Ahern, Founder and CEO, STEM Matters; and Publisher, The Brilliant
As CEO of STEM Matters, Kylie is setting a new standard in science communications, taking an innovative and strategic approach to help STEM organisations – including some of Australia’s most prestigious universities and research institutes – effectively communicate their work and their impact to the public. Her work has set a new standard for science communications, publishing and business practice and helping to unlock millions of dollars in research funding.
Nicole Dyson, CEO and Founder, Future Anything
An experienced former school leader within the public education system in Australia, Nicole is a multi-award-winning educator and entrepreneur, and a global authority on whole-school curriculum innovation, capability development, and youth entrepreneurship.
Nic is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Future Anything, an educator-founded and led provider that unleashes passion, potential, and agency within classrooms, schools, and systems across Australia, and New Zealand.
Alexander Kammer, Head Teaching and Learning, Stage 6, Killara High School
Alexander is currently the leader of Teaching and Learning, Stage 6. His previous roles have included Head of Science, and Leader of Learning (STEM Integration). An alumnus from the University of Sydney, he found his passion for education whilst teaching and conducting research in the School of Chemistry. Alexander teaches science in a comprehensive public high school where all students are accepted, and he enjoys unleashing the scientific potential in every student.
Professor Peter Rutledge, Professor of Chemistry and Head of School, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney
Professor Peter Rutledge studied at the Universities of Auckland (BSc, MSc) and Oxford (DPhil, Rhodes Scholar) and as a postdoctoral fellow in Oxford. After three years at University College Dublin he moved to Sydney in 2006 where he has been since. Peter’s research spans biosynthesis, antibiotics discovery, molecular sensors, and science communication. He has won the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Teaching twice, the SUPRA Supervisor of the Year Award, and more than $5 M in research grant income.
