Download list of 2015 Eureka Prize winners and their media releases
Capturing coral’s beauty
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
Prize-winning Australian science revealed tonight
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
Killer litter, ecohomes, and asking ‘can science save humanity?’
Eco on the agenda for National Science Week
Wednesday 19 August 2015
- We know what climate scientists think, but how do they feel? – Melbourne, VIC
- Can we save the Tassie Devils from cancer and extinction? – Hobart, TAS
- It’s not all about ice caps and polar bears: how will climate change affect our health? – Adelaide, SA
- Killer litter goes a long way – Taronga Zoo, Mosman, NSW
- Can science save humanity? – Acton, ACT
- Severe weather and natural disasters: are we ready? – Australian National University, ACT
- Derek Muller: Meet the Uranium documentary maker – Perth Town Hall, WA
- The secrets of a self-sustaining ecohome – Mt Nelson, TAS
… and there’s more on each below.
[Read more…] about Killer litter, ecohomes, and asking ‘can science save humanity?’
The great prostate debate; bringing science to wellness; making babies; and is fruit making you fat?
Healthy doses of science around Australia
Tuesday 18 August 2015
- Let’s debate your prostate, with Bernie Hobbs and experts – Thursday in Hobart, TAS
- Crap or credible? Bringing science to wellness – Tuesday at University of Sydney, NSW
- There’s more to making healthy babies than what goes on in the bedroom – Sunday in Adelaide, SA
- Meet the woman who survived an ‘overdose’ of 50 homeopathic sleeping pills – Monday in Hindmarsh, SA
- See where the science is done – Open Day at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research – Saturday in Nedlands, WA
- Is fruit making you fat? – Thursday in Mowbray, TAS
- Are you at risk of chronic disease? – Sunday in Nightcliff, NT
- Secrets of your brain revealed – Saturday in South Brisbane, QLD
… and there’s more on each below.
[Read more…] about The great prostate debate; bringing science to wellness; making babies; and is fruit making you fat?
Walk on Mars (in Redfern); aurora photography; and astro-inspired dance
Arts stories from National Science Week
Tuesday 18 August 2015
- Exploring the night sky through dance – tonight in Toowong, QLD
- See crystal art made with microscopes and smartphones – tomorrow in Bunbury, WA
- What art is inspired by ecosciences? – next Thursday in Dutton Park, QLD
- Science meets dance meets Robotronica – Sunday in Kelvin Grove, QLD
- My Trip to Mars – next Friday in Ultimo, NSW
- Arts vs Science Festival – Saturday in Lismore, NSW
- What’s the secret of places that spark creativity, innovation, art and science? – next Tuesday in Carlton, VIC
- Aurora Australis revealed – on now in Hobart, TAS
… and there’s more on each below.
[Read more…] about Walk on Mars (in Redfern); aurora photography; and astro-inspired dance
How to make a healthy baby in the 21st century
There’s more to making healthy babies than what goes on in the bedroom.
Sunday 23 August, 3:30-5:30pm (ACST), Adelaide and online
Speakers available for interview
The life you and your partner lead and the life experiences of your parents can influence:
• your chances of conception,
• your chances of a full-term pregnancy,
• and a healthy start to life for your baby.
Leading fertility and pregnancy experts will be speaking on their latest research at a free public symposium in Adelaide this Sunday 23 August.
[Read more…] about How to make a healthy baby in the 21st century
Laser light art shows, celebrity scientists and a dress made from beer
Western Australia launches National Science Week
Saturday 15 August: launch 11am at the Perth Cultural Centre main stage with Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Deputy Lord Mayor and guest speakers
Western Australians will be making art out of bacteria, seeing where science is done, and learning to track fireballs as they fall from the sky.
There are almost 200 National Science Week events across the state; these are just a few of the highlights:
- The Naked Scientist, Costa and a dress made from beer at the Perth Science Festival – Saturday 15 and Sunday 16
- Cloudy, with a chance of fireballs – Saturday 15 August in Perth
- Parasites and Poo – Sunday 16 August in Lesmurdie
- Bioluminescent bacteria and the disease detective – Monday 17 August at Curtin University
- Derek Muller: Meet the Uranium Documentary Maker – Wednesday 26 August at Perth Town Hall
- See the natural habitat of scientists – Saturday 22 August in Perth
- See crystal art made with microscopes and smartphones – Wednesday 19 August in Bunbury
- A view of the Pilbara night sky from the red earth – Thursday 20 August in Tom Price
… and there’s more on each below.
[Read more…] about Laser light art shows, celebrity scientists and a dress made from beer
Ignite your curiosity at Perth Science Festival
Media release – The Hon Colin Barnett, Premier; Minister for State Development; Science
14 Aug 2015
- National Science Week 2015 (August 15-23) to be officially launched at the third annual Perth Science Festival at the Perth cultural precinct
- Hundreds of events held throughout WA by a range of individuals and organisations
Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett has invited the West Australian community to ignite their curiosity for science by getting involved in National Science Week 2015, which will be launched at the Perth Science Festival this weekend.
Mr Barnett said National Science Week provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of scientists to our knowledge base, and communicate the benefits of science to the broader community.
“National Science Week is a time when the State’s community groups, corporations, tertiary and State institutions can all show the remarkable contributions in science made by leading scientists and everyday citizens,” he said.
[Read more…] about Ignite your curiosity at Perth Science Festival
National Science Week highlights $9.7B investment in science
Media release – The Hon Ian MacFarlane MP, Minister for Industry and Science
14 August 2015
From the hands-on science of making food in Western Australia to a photographic exhibition of the Auroa Australis night sky colours in Tasmania, over one million Australians will celebrate the contribution science makes to Australia as part of National Science Week 2015.
Launching National Science Week today, Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane said the week’s festivities will play an important role both in inspiring the young Australians who are the next generation of innovators, and increasing community awareness of science in our everyday lives.
“National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest events and from tomorrow, a staggering 1500 activities will be held during the week, collectively reaching over one million people,” Mr Macfarlane said. [Read more…] about National Science Week highlights $9.7B investment in science