Eureka Talks Series: Waste Not, Want Not

In the first Eureka Talk, Dr Jackson Ryan, winner of the 2022 Eureka Prize for Science Journalism, sits down with the 2022 New South Wales Australian of the Year and two-time Eureka Prize winner, Professor Veena Sahajwalla, to discuss the cutting-edge research that's revolutionising waste.

Learn about the science of decarbonising the world and the importance of collaboration in scientific innovation. Find out how the grounds from your cappuccino could help to eliminate the need for coal and coke. Dive into the four R's - reduce, reuse, recycle, and REFORM - and how they can be applied to create a sustainable future.

The Eureka Talks Series shines a light on research and innovations changing the fields of Climate, Health and Science Communication. Hear from Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners, finalists and other science leaders as they share their experiences, challenges and discoveries in their particular fields of research. The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes were established in 1990 to celebrate the work of Australian scientists, and how their contributions are producing world-leading results that can influence the lives of many across the globe.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is the inventor of polymer injection technology, known as green steel, an eco-friendly process for using recycled tyres in steel production. In 2021, Veena featured in the ABC’s Australian Story and she was named the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of her work.

In 2005, Veena was a co-winner of the University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research. Veena was named the winner of the 2022 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and was also awarded the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Innovation Award.

Dr Jackson Ryan is the science editor of CNET.com and an Ugly Christmas Sweater ambassador. Jackson completed his PhD in molecular biology and skeletal health at the University of South Australia in 2017 before it dawned on him that he's not cut out for academia. Jackson was awarded the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism and has been featured in the Best Australian Science Writing anthology in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.