Professor Greg Fox and the VQUIN Trial team, Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research

Professor Greg Fox's research is focused on tuberculosis treatment. The disease is one of the most common infectious diseases and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis is among the biggest barriers to eradicating the disease.

Greg Fox is part of the VQUIN Trial team, a collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese researchers. This has resulted in the successful trial, which tested levofloxacin to prevent tuberculosis in high-risk households and halved the rate of TB. Their discovery has changed World Health Organization policy, benefiting millions globally.

The VQUIN Trial team are: 

• Professor Greg Fox
• Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen
• Associate Professor Nguyen Viet Nhung
• Professor Guy Marks
• Professor Ben Marais
• Professor Steve Graham

Jane Linton and the Staying Strong with Arthritis team, Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research

Jane Linton is a PhD student with the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Centre for Rural Health. Staying Strong with Arthritis co-created the first clinically and culturally informed arthritis education resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and non-Indigenous clinician-researchers worked in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, health services and artists to co-design a website, brochures and videos that promote living well with arthritis.

The finalist team includes Dr Brooke Conley, Associate Professor Ivan Lin, Dr Samantha Bunzli, Jane Linton, Dr Penny O’Brien, Ryan Prehn, and Professor Jonathan Bullen.

Professor Alex McBratney, Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research

Professor Alex McBratney and his team have pioneered digital soil mapping using advanced modelling and AI to reveal the hidden world of soil, unlocking soil’s potential to store carbon, improve agriculture, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience.

These efforts have influenced national soil policy frameworks, improved agricultural sustainability metrics, and established international benchmarks in digital soil mapping and biogeochemical modelling.

The team include: 

• Alex McBratney
• Wartini Ng
• Daniel Irving
• Kim Tran
• Shiva Bakhshandeh
• Sabina Poudel

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, Eureka Prize for Sustainability Research

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie’s work is focused on overcoming durability barriers for perovskite technology, not only demonstrating its potential, but also setting a new direction for future research and development in solar energy.

Most recently, solar cells from her lab, as payloads, were integrated onto the CUAVA-2 satellite that was successfully launched into space aboard a SpaceX rocket. Creating commercially viable, durable perovskite cells is taking us closer to a carbon free future and equitable energy access for all.

Professor Carolyn Hogg and the Threatened Species Initiative, Eureka Prize for Environmental Research

Professor Carolyn Hogg and the Threatened Species Initiative are focused on making wildlife and plants become more resilient in a changing world. Her team has worked with over 250 collaborators to generate genetic data for 125 of Australia’s most threatened species. By connecting geneticists with conservation partners, their work is transforming how we protect our unique species.

The Threatened Species Initiative team includes:

• Professor Kathy Belov (University of Sydney)
• Kym Ottewell (WA Dept Conservation, Biodiversity & Attractions) 
• Sarah Richmond (Bioplatforms Australia)
• James Biggs (Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia)
• Peter Latch (Federal Dept Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water)
• Maurizio Rossetto (Botanic Gardens of Sydney)

Professor Haryana Dhillon, Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers

Professor Haryana Dhillon has mentored over 12 early career researchers, 60 HDR and honours students, helping them develop professionally and training the next generation of researchers.

She has implemented three programs: an open-door policy; feed-forward skill development; and proactive networking opportunities; creating a secure environment for mentees to advance psychological and behavioural care. As the lead of an inclusive and diverse research group, she strives to help mentees achieve all they can while bringing their whole selves to work.

Associate Professor Helen Paterson, Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science

Associate Professor Helen Paterson's research addresses the daunting challenge faced by survivors of domestic violence: recalling traumatic events they experienced in enough detail to satisfy the requirements of the justice system.

Her research uses memory science to transform how we support victim-survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and believed. By developing and evaluating new interviewing techniques, we’re strengthening justice for survivors to help build a fairer system, where science empowers truth and supports those who need it most.

Professor Robert Park, Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science

Professor Robert Park and his team's research is dedicated to finding solutions to combat cereal rusts – deadly fungi that attack wheat, barley, and oats. These three crops feed billions, but rust destroys millions of tonnes of cereal grain yearly.

By combining cutting-edge science with farmers’ need, his team’s research saves Australia over $500 million dollars a year and contributes significantly to billions in savings globally, boosting food security.

Professor Thomas Maschmeyer AO FAA FTSE MAE FRACI FRSN, Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science

Professor Thomas Maschmeyer's Cat-HTR™ technology rethinks waste. Using sub and supercritical water - very hot steam under very high pressure - it breaks down fibrous biomass waste and used plastics. This physically converts them into stable oils for biofuels and new plastics, cutting emissions by up to 80%.

With global commercial partners, we're creating sustainable aviation fuels and a cleaner future with circular plastics.