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Salt batteries for renewable energy and vaccines for oysters: Australians rewarded for excellence in science

• Photos available here.
• Pdf of all the winner releases here
• Full media releases for each prize winner are available at australianmuseum.net.au/eureka

Last night the 2015 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes winners were announced at a gala Award Dinner at Sydney Town Hall, affectionately referred to as the Oscars of Australian science. A total of 16 prizes were given for outstanding contributions to Australian science, including new prizes for international scientific collaboration and rural innovation.

“It’s an honour to be able to recognise and reward the very best of the valuable, inspiring scientific research being done around the country,” Kim McKay AO, Executive Director and CEO of the Australian Museum said.

“The sponsors and supporters of the Eureka Prizes help us reward excellence in Australian science and I take my hat off to them,” she said. [Read more…] about Winners of the 2015 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes announced

New Scientist Eureka Prize for Science Photography

Queensland Museum photographer Gary Cranitch has been awarded the New Scientist Eureka Prize for Science Photography for his image Soft Coral.

Soft corals are more diverse and widespread than hard corals, but much less is known about their overall contribution to coral reef biodiversity. About one-third of the world’s soft coral species are found on the Great Barrier Reef, with our limited knowledge of these species an indication of how much we still have to learn. Through his beautiful image, Gary Cranitch highlights this true ‘indicator’ species.

“Gary’s striking image highlights the need to understand the Great Barrier Reef’s often-ignored soft corals” Kim McKay AO, Executive Director and CEO of the Australian Museum said. “I congratulate Gary on being a finalist for the second year in a row and now the winner of this prestigious prize,” she said.

Taking out second place was Murdoch University’s Aileen Elliot with her photograph Thorny-Headed Worm.

Third was Saltwater Crocodile by NSW’s Justin Gilligan. [Read more…] about Capturing coral’s beauty

The best in Australian science discovered tonight 

2015 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Award Dinner at Sydney Town Hall

At the end of July, 49 finalists were announced for 16 Eureka Prizes worth a total of $160,000.

Tonight we’ll find out who will take home a coveted Eureka Prize.

To be part of the Eureka Prizes experience, follow us live from the red carpet on Twitter at @EurekaPrizes, and using the #Eureka15 hashtag. We’ll Tweet each winner the moment their names are read out on stage.

Established in 1827, the Australian Museum is the nation’s first museum and one of its foremost scientific research, educational and cultural institutions. The Eureka Prizes are the most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence in Research and Innovation, Leadership, Science Communication and Journalism, and School Science.

This year, new prizes recognise excellence in rural research and international collaboration.

For media enquiries please contact the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes media team:

• Niall Byrne, niall@scienceinpublic.com.au, 0417 131 977
• Errol Hunt, errol@scienceinpublic.com.au, 0423 139 210

[Read more…] about Prize-winning Australian science revealed tonight