University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research

$10,000

Awarded for outstanding curiosity-driven scientific research, undertaken in Australia by an Australian scientist(s) under the age of 40, which is judged to be under-appreciated by the Australian public. The research must have been published in an internationally respected, externally-refereed scientific journal(s), book(s) or equivalent electronic publication(s).

Sponsored by the University of New South Wales.

FINALISTS

Dr Sabina Belli
Senior Research Fellow
Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases
University of Technology, Sydney

For ground-breaking research that has discovered the molecular basis for the development of the protective cyst wall surrounding the infective stage of apicomplexan parasites - a wall that is vital for their survival for long periods under harsh environmental conditions and enables transmission of the parasite from host to host. Dr Belli's exciting work has identified potential targets for the control of infection with these pathogens, and may form the basis of developing new vaccines and drugs against the debilitating diseases such as malaria and encephalitis, caused by the apicomplexan parasites.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla
School of Materials Science and Engineering
University of New South Wales

For highly original research that has developed a profound understanding of high-temperature behaviour of complex materials (refractories) used in new advanced continuous casting of steel. This innovative research investigated reactions of refractories using unique high-temperature facilities and computer simulation. The pioneering work has led to a paradigm shift in investigation of refractory problems.

Dr Peter Tuthill
Australian Research Fellow
School of Physics
University of Sydney

For innovative research that has successfully pioneered a novel approach to high resolution astronomical imaging, which has delivered the finest detail ever attained in images of celestial bodies at infrared wavelengths. Despite massive investment in competing high-tech approaches, Dr Tuthill's deceptively simple research has set the standard with a modern reincarnation of a 130-year old experiment called aperture masking. His research has revealed in exquisite detail a cosmic menagerie of stars and phenomena completely new to astronomy.

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