2015 Eureka Prizes: entries open!

2015 is now in full swing and with a new year comes new prizes and new opportunities for fame and glory.

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are Australia’s premier national science awards and give hardworking and dedicated scientists, journalists and researchers an opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to Australian science. They also give an opportunity for the scientists of the future to be encouraged to continue asking the important questions.

I’ve been looking at some of the reasons why people have entered or nominated for an Australian Museum Eureka Prize over the years and the answers are quite surprising (although $10,000 prize money is still high on people's list of reasons to enter).

Some people wanted to extend the knowledge of their research beyond peer review outlets and take it into the broader public’s awareness. Others were simply so excited about a new discovery that they just couldn’t keep it to themselves. Many dreamed of recognition as a reward for hard work, and a few hoped it would help their professional advancement. What’s your reason to enter or nominate for an Australian Museum Eureka Prize?

Now in their 26th year, the Eureka Prizes reward outstanding Australian science with 16 prizes in four categories:

• Research & Innovation
• Leadership
• Science Communication & Journalism
• School Science

Including two new prizes:

• The Rural Research and Development Corporations Eureka Prize for Rural Innovation (awarded for excellence in the scientific research, development or innovative application of agricultural practices that have improved, or have the potential to improve, the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries).
• The Scopus Eureka Prize for Excellence in International Scientific Collaboration (awarded to an individual or team for outstanding scientific research that is the result of international collaboration).