Eureka Stories

From guiding philosophies to breakthrough moments and ambitions for the future, the Eureka Prizes community shares their stories.

The Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research is presented by the University of Sydney Faculty of Science

A natural move: the Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research

Partnering with the Australian Museum to present a Eureka Prize recognising excellence in sustainability research was a natural move for the University of Sydney.

14 February 2024

AstroPy is an example of an open-source research software project with contributors from all around the world. Photo credit: NASA

Recognising the indispensable: the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software

The Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software celebrates the invisible yet critical role that software plays in modern research.

5 February 2024

Australian Institute of Botanical Science - Research into moss

Plant power: the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science

Without plants, there would be no life, and in recent times the priority of botanical research has shifted from developing critical economic industries based on plants to an urgent need to document and conserve Australia’s unique flora.

5 February 2024

Fostering active participation in turtle conservation

In conversation with Associate Professor Ricky Spencer from the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program, winner of the 2023 Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.

6 November 2023

Safeguarding Australia's unique botanical diversity

In conversation with Dr Noushka Reiter, winner of the 2023 Australian Institute of Botanical Science Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science.

21 November 2023

Turning DNA data into crucial evolutionary insights

In conversation with Dr Minh Bui and Professor Robert Lanfear, winners of the 2023 Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software.

27 September 2023

Increasing representation of diverse voices in STEMM

In conversation Anna Abela, Kate Johnson and Olly Dove, co-managers of the 14-person team awarded the 2023 Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion.

29 September 2023

Dr Stephanie Partridge, winner, 2023 Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science

Dr Stephanie Partridge: improving youth wellbeing

In conversation with Dr Stephanie Partridge, winner of the 2023 Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science.

28 September 2023

The crazy world of chlorophyll

In conversation with Darcy B., winner of the 2023 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary.

25 September 2023

Chase M., runner up, University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Primary

Exploring the human eye

In conversation with Chase M. runner-up in the 2023 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Primary

29 September 2023

Green infrastructure: a solution to coastal erosion

In conversation with Anna P., winner of the 2023 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary.

25 September 2023

Professor Manfred Lenzen, Professor David Raubenheimer, Dr Arunima Malik, Dr Mengyu Li and Navoda Liyana Pathirana, University of Sydney

Harnessing interdisciplinary research to understand how healthy and unhealthy diets impact the environment

In conversation with the winners of the 2022 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.

16 November 2022

Professor Veena Sahajwalla, UNSW, winner of the 2022 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science

Professor Veena Sahajwalla: shifting the mindset of the nation

In conversation with Professor Veena Sahajwalla, winner of the 2022 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.

9 November 2022

Dr Tess Reynolds: improving the view for surgeons

In conversation with Dr Tess Reynolds, winner of the 2022 Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.

26 October 2022

Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism winner, Dr Jackson Ryan, CNET

Exploring Antarctica through the lens of the climate crisis

In conversation with Dr Jackson Ryan, winner of the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.

19 October 2022

ANSTO Eureka Prize finalist for Innovative Use of Technology, NanoMslide, La Trobe University; University of Melbourne; Garvan Institute of Medical Research; and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Transforming the humble glass microscope slide into a diagnostic lab

In conversation with NanoMslide, winner of the 2022 ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.

2 November 2022

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prizes Secondary finalist, Iestyn R., St John's Anglican College, Forest Lake, Qld.

Neuroplasticity: changing your brain

In conversation with Iestyn R., winner of the 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary.

9 November 2022

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize Primary finalist, Genevieve S., Bucasia State School, Qld

Exploring animal adaptation

In conversation with Genevieve S., winner of the 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary.

9 November 2022

Professor Kerrylee Rogers and colleague Dr Jeff Kelleway doing fieldwork on the day of the 2019 Eureka Prizes finalist announcement.

Advancing our understanding of blue carbon science

Kerrylee Rogers wears many hats. She’s a Professor in the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences at the University of Wollongong, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and the mum of two teenage boys.

18 January 2024

Dr Niraj Lal - winner, 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science

Showcasing the wonders of our universe

In conversation with Dr Niraj Lal, winner of the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.

19 January 2023

AUSMAP, winner of the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science

Developing ambassadors for behaviour change

In conversation with Dr Michelle Blewitt, co-winner of the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.

7 June 2023

Dr Dana M. Bergstrom, Australian Antarctic Division and University of Wollongong

Delivering innovative options for modern conservation

In conversation with Dr Dana M. Bergstrom, winner of the 2021 Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science.

30 January 2023

Jonathan D. - Finalist, 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Secondary

The teenage filmmaker with a flair for science communication

In conversation with Jonathan D., winner of the 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary.

8 December 2022

Patient Zero, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Patient Zero: stories of disease outbreaks

In conversation with Joel Werner and Olivia Willis, co-winners of the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.

1 April 2022

Zara M. - Finalist, 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary

Raising awareness of coral bleaching

In conversation with Zara M., awarded second place in the 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary.

26 November 2022

Lindell Bromham, Felicity Meakins, Xia Hua and Cassandra Algy, 2021 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research

Meet the interdisciplinary team studying factors that keep Indigenous languages strong

In conversation with Lindell Bromham, Xia Hua, Felicity Meakins, and Cassandra Algy, winners of the 2021 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.

2 January 2023

The EchidnaCSI Team is finalist in the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science

The echidna expert committed to community-based research

In conversation with Professor Frank Grutzner from EchidnaCSI Team, finalist in the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science

23 September 2021

Dr Emma Camp - winner, 2021 Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher

Developing improved management strategies for coral reefs

In conversation with Dr Emma Camp, winner of the 2021 Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.

2 January 2023

Exploring the science behind super volcanoes

In conversation with Scarlett O. and Scarlett P., winners of the 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary.

10 November 2021

Dr Melina Georgousakis - Winner, 2021 University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers

Connecting women in the health and medical research sector

In conversation with Dr Melina Georgousakis, winner of the 2021 University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.

13 September 2021

Dr Jackson Ryan - Finalist, 2021 Finkel Foundation Eureka Prize for Long-Form Science Journalism

Demystifying COVID-19 vaccines and variants

In conversation with Dr Jackson Ryan, finalist in the 2021 Finkel Foundation Eureka Prize for Long-Form Science Journalism and the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.

15 September 2021

Leon H. - Finalist, 2021University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary

Meet the junior scientist with a passion for physics

In conversation with Leon H., awarded third place in the 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary

29 November 2022

Little Scientists Australia - Finalist, 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion

Empowering early childhood educators

In conversation with Sibylle Seidler from Little Scientists Australia, finalist in the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion.

1 October 2021