Three University of Queensland researchers/research teams have been announced as finalists in the 2010 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
The shortlist of scientific excellence recognises the year’s most innovative and influential scientists, together with the country’s top science communicators and teachers.
UQ finalists and their categories are:
Excellence in Research by an Interdisciplinary Team
Sponsored by the Australian Research Council
Awarded to an Australian research partnership, group or team for a groundbreaking research outcome that has involved collaboration and integration between researchers from two or more unrelated disciplines.
Prize money: $10,000
Nanopatch Influenza Vaccination Team, University of Queensland and University of Melbourne
Combining biomedical engineering with vaccinology and immunology, The Nanopatch Influenza Vaccination Team developed a technique that delivers vaccine directly to our skin’s immune cells, achieving protective response – while using only 1/100th of the conventional dose. This practical technology will be critical in controlling pandemics, particularly in the developing world.
Eureka Prize for Early Career Research
Sponsored by Macquarie University
Awarded for outstanding scientific research conducted by an individual or groups of early career researchers who are 35 years old or younger.
Prize money: $10,000
Dr Ryan Taft, University of Queensland
Ryan Taft’s research questions the age-old question “what makes us human” and finds that ‘junk DNA’ plays a significant role. Dr Taft’s research not only alters conventional thinking about the human genome, his work provides new diagnostic and therapeutic uses for this once discarded portion of our genomes.
Professor Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation
Sponsored by the National Water Commission
Awarded to an individual, team or organisation for research and innovation that has made or has the potential to make an outstanding contribution to the sustainable use and management of Australia's water resources.
Prize money: $10,000
Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland
The Advanced Water Management Centre is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in innovative water technology and management research, providing industry relevant and sustainable solutions for the Australian urban water cycle.
One of the UQ Eureka Prize finalists, Dr Ryan Taft is also a finalist in the Eureka Prizes People’s Choice Award.
This is awarded to the finalist that receives the most votes from the Australian public. The finalists are those who, from all the entries received in the 2010 Eureka research prizes, best captured the imagination of the Australian Museum Eureka Prize Unit.
Voting in this category is open from 22 July to 15 August at: www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka/vote
The six finalists will be profiled on ABC TV’s Catalyst program on 29 July.
“Every year the Eureka Prizes are about applauding excellent science and the men and women behind it, with an eye to the potential broader benefits,” said
Australian Museum Director, Frank Howarth.
“The innovative thinking and meticulous research of these finalists is already influencing how people think and work around the world.”
In its 21st year, the annual celebration, dubbed the “Oscars of Australian science” offers 20 awards, with total prize money of $190,000.
The People’s Choice Award and all the winners of the 2010 Eureka Prizes will be revealed on 17 August at a gathering of top researchers, innovators and thinkers at the Randwick Pavilion at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.
