Entries Open for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
$160k available in prize money; AstraZeneca joins as new prize partner
Sydney, Wednesday, 31 March 2021: Entries are now open for the prestigious 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, the country's most comprehensive national science awards. This year, there is $160k for 16 prizes across four categories: Research and Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement and School Science.
Global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has joined as a new prize partner and will present the 2021 AstraZeneca Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science.
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said that partnerships with international organisations such as AstraZeneca are crucial to ensure scientists have the resources needed to continue producing life-changing discoveries.
"We are pleased that AstraZeneca has joined our list of outstanding partners for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, a unique collaboration between government, research institutions and private sector organisations. AstraZeneca understands the importance of these strong partnerships, which are especially critical during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for robust research is essential to the future of human health," McKay said.
AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand Country President, Liz Chatwin, said the company was looking forward to seeing the award entries and recognising emerging leaders in science, who are needed now more than ever.
"The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the increasing need for scientific vision and strategy. There is no better time to be partnering with the Australian Museum to identify scientists who are using their leadership skills, energy, passion and commitment to create impact. We are very much looking forward to the entries we receive for the 2021 AstraZeneca Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science and raising the profile of science in the community by celebrating outstanding achievement," Chatwin said.
AstraZeneca is joined by some of the nation's leading scientific institutions, government organisations, universities and corporations as 2021 Prize Partners. The 16 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes and prize partners are:
Research and Innovation
· NSW Environment, Energy and Science (DPIE) Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research
· 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
· Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia
· UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
Leadership
· AstraZeneca Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
· Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science
· University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers
Science Engagement
· Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science
· Finkel Foundation Eureka Prize for Long-Form Science Journalism
· Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science
· Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism
· Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion
School Science
· University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize
Australian Museum Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Kristofer Helgen, said that science is at the core of everything the Australian Museum does and that the Museum is committed to supporting and showcasing the work of Australian scientists.
"We're seeking entries from scientists of all different levels for this year's Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. From University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize to the AstraZeneca Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science, there's a prize for budding and aspiring science students, to scientific leaders at the top of their game. I encourage scientists across Australia – from all backgrounds and ages – to take a look at the prize program and consider participating this year," Helgen said.
Known as the 'Oscars' of Australian science, entries for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes close at 7PM AEST on Friday 28 May 2021 and will be judged by a panel of eminent individuals from a variety of disciplines. Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be announced at a special award ceremony in October.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes has been running for 31 years. The awards were established in 1990 by the Australian Museum to reward outstanding achievements in Australian science and science communication. Since 1990, more than four million dollars in prize money and a total of 434 Eureka Prizes have been awarded to the nation's leading scientists.
