An Extraordinary Celebration of Science: 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Winners Announced!
More than 500 scientists, innovators, and leaders gathered at Sydney Town Hall to honor the nation’s top scientific achievements. Out of 58 incredible shortlisted finalists, 19 winners were awarded Australia’s most prestigious science honors across Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement, and School Science.
This year’s winners demonstrate how scientific curiosity and multi-disciplinary collaboration turn bold ideas into life-changing solutions. 2026 was highlighted by an exceptional showing for women in STEM, who claimed or led 11 of the 19 prizes!
Meet the 2026 Winners
Professor Vincent Gramoli is awarded the Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
Creator of the Redbelly Blockchain, Professor Gramoli’s innovation enables more secure digital asset exchanges, strengthens Australia’s financial resilience, and is recognised as the fastest blockchain in production.
Dr Lila Landowski is awarded the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
From TEDx talks to viral neuron videos, Dr Lila Landowski is transforming how people engage with neuroscience. Her work reaches millions, combats misinformation and inspires diverse audiences to see a future for themselves in STEM.
Professor Ivan Kassal and Associate Professor Ting Rei Tan are awarded the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.
Professor Kassal and Associate Professor Tan have achieved a quantum leap in molecular simulation, improving quantum resource efficiency by more than a million-fold. Their innovation is accelerating discoveries in materials, energy and drug development.
OurFutures Vaping Program is awarded the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science.
Co-designed with students and teachers, the OurFutures Vaping Program is transforming adolescent health education across Australia. Reaching more than 300,000 students, it has reduced the odds of vaping by 65% and is empowering young people to make informed choices.
EcoCommons Australia is awarded the Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Data Platforms.
EcoCommons Australia is unlocking the power of environmental data to support conservation and ecosystem management nationwide. From identifying hidden populations of endangered species to informing critical conservation decisions, its impact is helping shape a more sustainable future.
Associate Professor Helen Paterson is awarded University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science.
Associate Professor Helen Paterson’s research is changing how victim-survivor testimony is understood in cases of domestic and family violence. By revealing the impacts of repeated abuse and coercive control on memory, she is helping strengthen justice responses and improve outcomes.
C2X are awarded the Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.
C2X is redefining what’s possible in carbon capture, converting CO₂ into useful fuels and chemicals through a single streamlined process. Demonstrated with industry partners, the technology is helping drive practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Dr Aidan Cashin is awarded the Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
Dr Aidan Cashin is transforming chronic pain care through research that identifies what treatments work, how they help, and how they can reach more people. His work is improving recovery, informing clinical practice and shaping the future of pain management.
Associate Professor Karen Lamb is awarded the University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers.
A champion for mentorship and inclusion, Associate Professor Karen Lamb has helped hundreds of statisticians grow their careers and leadership potential. Her impact is strengthening the profession and creating a greater sense of belonging across STEM.
Poppy H. is awarded the Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize – Primary, for her short film ‘How the Brain Processes Patterns’.
Millie B. is awarded the Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize – Secondary, for her short film ‘Freshwater Turtle Nesting: From Patterns to Protection’.
Follow the Mice is awarded the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.
Liam Mannix and William Davis shone a light on scientific misconduct through rigorous investigative journalism, uncovering serious integrity breaches at leading research institutions. Their reporting sparked national discussion and calls for reforms to strengthen trust in science.
Miyawaki Forest Program is awarded the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.
The Miyawaki Forest Program is inspiring communities to reconnect with nature while creating greener, healthier local environments. Through hands-on participation, thousands of people have helped grow thriving forests that boost biodiversity and cool urban landscapes.
Science Gallery Melbourne is awarded the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion.
Through innovative exhibitions and programs, the University of Melbourne’s Science Gallery is breaking down barriers to STEM participation. Its inclusive approach is empowering young people and underrepresented communities to connect with science in meaningful ways.
Marine Heatwave Forecasts is awarded the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Eureka Prize for Environmental Research.
Developed by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, Marine Heatwave Forecasts is giving Australians the power to prepare for ocean temperature extremes weeks to months in advance. Its impact is strengthening resilience for marine industries, coastal communities and the environment.
Dr Jane Tiller is awarded the University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science, Technology and Engineering.
Dr Jane Tiller is transforming access to genomic medicine by leading the successful campaign to end genetic discrimination in Australian life insurance. Her impact is helping ensure more equitable access to preventive healthcare and life-saving genetic testing.
Women’s Microbiome Innovation Group is awarded the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research.
Through world-leading research, the Women’s Microbiome Innovation Group challenged long-held assumptions about bacterial vaginosis and delivered a simple, effective solution to improve treatment outcomes. Their work is transforming care for millions of women worldwide.
Professor Georgina Long AO is awarded the UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.
A global leader in melanoma research, Professor Georgina Long has revolutionised treatment through breakthrough advances in immunotherapy and drug development. Her work is helping more patients live longer, healthier lives after a melanoma diagnosis.
Distinguished Professor Maree Teesson is awarded the University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science.
Distinguished Professor Maree Teesson has transformed mental health and substance use research, advancing prevention and treatment for people in Australia and around the world. Her work is improving lives and helping hundreds of thousands of young people access evidence-based support.
Professor Yansong Shen from UNSW is awarded the Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research.
Professor Yansong Shen is redefining solar panel recycling with a low-cost, scalable technology that recovers valuable metals and materials from used panels. His work is helping unlock the full environmental potential of solar energy.
The 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes brought an inspiring celebration of scientific excellence to Sydney Town Hall, honoring amazing people whose work is driving real-world change across Australia. Spanning Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement, and School Science, these innovators demonstrate how curiosity, rigor, and cross-disciplinary collaboration continue to solve our most urgent challenges and define the nation’s scientific future.
Feature Image: 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
An Extraordinary Celebration of Science: 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Winners Announced!
More than 500 scientists, innovators, and leaders gathered at Sydney Town Hall to honor the nation’s top scientific achievements. Out of 58 incredible shortlisted finalists, 19 winners were awarded Australia’s most prestigious science honors across Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement, and School Science.
This year’s winners demonstrate how scientific curiosity and multi-disciplinary collaboration turn bold ideas into life-changing solutions. 2026 was highlighted by an exceptional showing for women in STEM, who claimed or led 11 of the 19 prizes!
Meet the 2026 Winners
Professor Vincent Gramoli is awarded the Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
Creator of the Redbelly Blockchain, Professor Gramoli’s innovation enables more secure digital asset exchanges, strengthens Australia’s financial resilience, and is recognised as the fastest blockchain in production.
Dr Lila Landowski is awarded the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
From TEDx talks to viral neuron videos, Dr Lila Landowski is transforming how people engage with neuroscience. Her work reaches millions, combats misinformation and inspires diverse audiences to see a future for themselves in STEM.
Professor Ivan Kassal and Associate Professor Ting Rei Tan are awarded the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.
Professor Kassal and Associate Professor Tan have achieved a quantum leap in molecular simulation, improving quantum resource efficiency by more than a million-fold. Their innovation is accelerating discoveries in materials, energy and drug development.
OurFutures Vaping Program is awarded the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science.
Co-designed with students and teachers, the OurFutures Vaping Program is transforming adolescent health education across Australia. Reaching more than 300,000 students, it has reduced the odds of vaping by 65% and is empowering young people to make informed choices.
EcoCommons Australia is awarded the Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Data Platforms.
EcoCommons Australia is unlocking the power of environmental data to support conservation and ecosystem management nationwide. From identifying hidden populations of endangered species to informing critical conservation decisions, its impact is helping shape a more sustainable future.
Associate Professor Helen Paterson is awarded University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science.
Associate Professor Helen Paterson’s research is changing how victim-survivor testimony is understood in cases of domestic and family violence. By revealing the impacts of repeated abuse and coercive control on memory, she is helping strengthen justice responses and improve outcomes.
C2X are awarded the Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.
C2X is redefining what’s possible in carbon capture, converting CO₂ into useful fuels and chemicals through a single streamlined process. Demonstrated with industry partners, the technology is helping drive practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Dr Aidan Cashin is awarded the Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
Dr Aidan Cashin is transforming chronic pain care through research that identifies what treatments work, how they help, and how they can reach more people. His work is improving recovery, informing clinical practice and shaping the future of pain management.
Associate Professor Karen Lamb is awarded the University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers.
A champion for mentorship and inclusion, Associate Professor Karen Lamb has helped hundreds of statisticians grow their careers and leadership potential. Her impact is strengthening the profession and creating a greater sense of belonging across STEM.
Poppy H. is awarded the Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize – Primary, for her short film ‘How the Brain Processes Patterns’.
Millie B. is awarded the Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize – Secondary, for her short film ‘Freshwater Turtle Nesting: From Patterns to Protection’.
Follow the Mice is awarded the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.
Liam Mannix and William Davis shone a light on scientific misconduct through rigorous investigative journalism, uncovering serious integrity breaches at leading research institutions. Their reporting sparked national discussion and calls for reforms to strengthen trust in science.
Miyawaki Forest Program is awarded the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.
The Miyawaki Forest Program is inspiring communities to reconnect with nature while creating greener, healthier local environments. Through hands-on participation, thousands of people have helped grow thriving forests that boost biodiversity and cool urban landscapes.
Science Gallery Melbourne is awarded the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion.
Through innovative exhibitions and programs, the University of Melbourne’s Science Gallery is breaking down barriers to STEM participation. Its inclusive approach is empowering young people and underrepresented communities to connect with science in meaningful ways.
Marine Heatwave Forecasts is awarded the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Eureka Prize for Environmental Research.
Developed by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, Marine Heatwave Forecasts is giving Australians the power to prepare for ocean temperature extremes weeks to months in advance. Its impact is strengthening resilience for marine industries, coastal communities and the environment.
Dr Jane Tiller is awarded the University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science, Technology and Engineering.
Dr Jane Tiller is transforming access to genomic medicine by leading the successful campaign to end genetic discrimination in Australian life insurance. Her impact is helping ensure more equitable access to preventive healthcare and life-saving genetic testing.
Women’s Microbiome Innovation Group is awarded the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research.
Through world-leading research, the Women’s Microbiome Innovation Group challenged long-held assumptions about bacterial vaginosis and delivered a simple, effective solution to improve treatment outcomes. Their work is transforming care for millions of women worldwide.
Professor Georgina Long AO is awarded the UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.
A global leader in melanoma research, Professor Georgina Long has revolutionised treatment through breakthrough advances in immunotherapy and drug development. Her work is helping more patients live longer, healthier lives after a melanoma diagnosis.
Distinguished Professor Maree Teesson is awarded the University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science.
Distinguished Professor Maree Teesson has transformed mental health and substance use research, advancing prevention and treatment for people in Australia and around the world. Her work is improving lives and helping hundreds of thousands of young people access evidence-based support.
Professor Yansong Shen from UNSW is awarded the Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research.
Professor Yansong Shen is redefining solar panel recycling with a low-cost, scalable technology that recovers valuable metals and materials from used panels. His work is helping unlock the full environmental potential of solar energy.
The 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes brought an inspiring celebration of scientific excellence to Sydney Town Hall, honoring amazing people whose work is driving real-world change across Australia. Spanning Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement, and School Science, these innovators demonstrate how curiosity, rigor, and cross-disciplinary collaboration continue to solve our most urgent challenges and define the nation’s scientific future.
Feature Image: 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
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