2014 Eureka Prize finalists

A next-generation optical device that monitors the activity of a single living cell, a leader in bioinformatics, outstanding mentors who inspire young researchers and some spectacular science photographs, are among the finalists for Australia’s renowned national science awards, the Eureka Prizes.

This year, 44 finalists are in the running for the 15 prizes that recognise excellence in research and innovation, leadership, science communication and journalism, and school science.

Gary Cranitch from the Queensland Museum has entered his awe-inspiring image, Alfred Manta Feeding. Cranitch captured this graceful giant feeding on plankton, lit by sunbeams just below the ocean surface. One of the largest rays on the planet with a width of up to 5.5 metres, the reef manta ray, Manta alfredi, is currently listed as vulnerable in eastern Australian waters with recorded individuals numbering in the few hundred.

Professor Justin Gooding’s team of chemists, physicists and cell biologists from the University of New South Wales has been listed as one of three finalists for the UNSW Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research with their cell-based diagnostic device. Gooding’s team has developed the optical device that can monitor the activity of a single living cell and has wide-ranging applications in drug discovery, toxin detection and personalised medicine.

For a list of all the finalists, go to the Australian Museum’s website.

The winners will be announced on 10 September at the Eureka Prizes Award Dinner at Sydney Town Hall.

The 2014 Eureka Prizes are:

• NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Eureka Prize for Environmental Research
• University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
• Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research
• ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology
• Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher
• Defence Science and Technology Organisation Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia
• University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
• Department of Agriculture Landcare Eureka Prize for Sustainable Agriculture
• 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
• CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science
• University of Technology, Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers
• Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research
• Australian Government Eureka Prize for Science Journalism
• New Scientist Eureka Prize for Science Photography
• University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Primary
• University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Secondary