An app that turns ecological discovery into an exciting game has been recognised at the 2018 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, held at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, congratulated all the winners of the Eureka Prizes, which bring together some of Australia’s best scientific minds to celebrate excellence and reward achievement in science, research, innovation and science communication.

“It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to recognise the hard work of Australia’s scientists, researchers, science communicators and science leaders,” Minister Andrews said.

“Just as we have our sporting champions, these winners are champions of science. I commend the Australian Museum and congratulate the winners and all those nominated for their excellent efforts.”

The prizes are presented annually by the Australian Museum.

Minister Andrews presented QuestaGame with the Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science for its innovative approach to ecological data collection. Players from more than 40 nations have submitted over one million ecological sightings, including the discovery of new species of spiders, moths and flies using the app.

The Minister also presented the Eureka Prize for Science Journalism to Adam Geiger for Can We Save The Reef? This documentary, broadcast on ABC TV’s Catalyst, follows marine biologist Professor Emma Johnston as she gets to the heart of the complex issues and ecology of the Great Barrier Reef and the efforts scientists are making to preserve one of the world’s natural wonders.

Both prizes were sponsored this year by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science in the Science Engagement category.

The CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science was won by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, from the University of Sydney, whose discoveries have allowed the widespread use of renewables and recyclables in the chemical, material and energy spaces.

The ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology was won by Professor Wendy Erber, Dr Kathryn Fuller and Henry Hui, from the University of Western Australia, for their groundbreaking invention that can detect abnormal chromosomes inside leukaemia cells.  

Minister Andrews’ media contact: Jennifer Cahill 02 6277 4360