2022 Sleek Geeks Eureka Prize finalists announced

Communicating scientific ideas and discoveries to the world is a tricky task. 

This film competition encourages school students to communicate a scientific concept in a way that is accessible and entertaining to the public while painlessly increasing their science knowledge or, as Dr Karl likes to say, "Learn something without even noticing". 

This year, there have been some of the most amazing entries yet. Find out more about our finalists and the amazing content they've created below.

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary

Charlotte L., PLC Sydney, NSW

Cattle farming produces large amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, but a possible solution might live in the sea. In A More Polite Belch, Charlotte uses humour and engaging graphics to show that by adding the red seaweed, Asparagopsis, to animal feed, the digestion of cows and sheep can be modified to drastically reduce their methane output. See the video here. 

Zara M., PLC Sydney, NSW

In Stem Cells - Changing the Way We Heal, Zara uses colourful animations, expert interviews and an original experiment with a flatworm called Bob, to demonstrate the regenerative capacity of stem cells. She explains how pluripotent stem cells can become any type of cell in the body, with potential to promote growth and healing. See the video here. 

Genevieve S., Bucasia State School, Qld

In Adaptation: Now That's Change! Genevieve examines how animals fit into their environment and what they must do to survive if their habitat changes. Combining graphics and close encounters with cuddly — and not-so-cuddly — creatures, she shows how adaptations happen over time and the sort of features that develop to help animals thrive. Watch the video here. 

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Secondary

Marissa C., Somerville House, Qld

Finding Nemo is a fun movie but in Sex Change in Clownfish, Marissa shows the science is a little fishy. Combining expert opinion with graphics to map their complex reproductive hierarchy, she explains that all clownfish have male and female reproductive organs. This means if a breeding female is lost, the dominant male can switch sex to replace her. Watch the video here. 

Iestyn R., St John's Anglican College, Forest Lake, Qld

Brain scanning technology shows that the human brain can adapt throughout our lives. In his film Neuroplasticity - You Can Change Your Brain, Iestyn uses colourful graphics to explain how neurons connect via synapses. Through everyday examples, he shows that when connections become crowded with data, learning prompts an editing process that makes space for new information. Watch the film here. 

Aidi H., Tara K. and Ellen Z., Lauriston Girls' School, Vic

Aidi, Tara and Ellen tell the story of COVID-19 variants through song. Changing Corona describes how virus mutations are caused by errors during reproduction. Although this means that mutations will appear for as long as the virus reproduces, the filmmakers remind us that humans can also change and adapt to manage new variants.  Watch the film here. 

The Award Ceremony and winner announcement will be the 31st of August. Feel free to register to attend this special live broadcast event which is open to anyone to watch.