UNSW researchers win at Australia's 'science Oscars'

Professor David Keith was recognised for his global conservation efforts while Professor Stuart Tangye was honoured for his research on rare immune diseases.

UNSW Sydney researchers were awarded two prizes at last night’s prestigious 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

Professor David Keith from UNSW Science won the Australian Institute of Botanical Science Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science

His contribution to conservation research work is being used here in Australia and by the United Nations to try to keep fragile ecosystems alive.

The UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research was awarded to Professor Stuart Tangye from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health for his significant research in the field of human immunology.

He works with patients who have rare diseases, helping to diagnose their condition quickly so they can get the right treatment. 

“It’s fantastic to see UNSW’s researchers recognised for the outstanding impact they’ve made to Australian science,” Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said. “I congratulate them and look forward to increased awareness of the work both Prof. Keith and Prof. Tangye are doing to drive scientific progress.” 

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, said both researchers have received well deserved recognition. 

“I am thrilled to see both David and Stuart celebrated at Australia’s premier science awards. From tackling the biodiversity crisis to providing invaluable insights into how the immune system functions, both are playing a critical role in addressing global scientific challenges,” she said. 

UNSW’s 2024 Eureka Prize winners:

Professor David Keith, UNSW Science

Winner: Australian Institute of Botanical Science Eureka Prize for Excellence in Botanical Science 

Prof. Keith is a world leader in botany, ecology and conservation biology. He led a major international collaboration to develop the world’s first Global Ecosystem Typology – a framework for classifying, describing, conserving and restoring the world’s ecosystems. 

Adopted by the United Nations and already applied in Australia, the framework has been instrumental in formulating effective conservation strategies and is helping to maintain plant diversity in the face of increasing environmental change.

“Healthy ecosystems of plants of all kinds at their foundation are the linchpins of life on earth, human wellbeing and national and cultural identity as well,” Prof. Keith said at the ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday night. 

“We need more good science and lots of good will to secure their future.” 

Professor Stuart Tangye, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & UNSW Medicine & Health

Winner: UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research

Prof. Tangye is a pioneering researcher in discovering, diagnosing, understanding and enabling treatment of rare immune diseases. His research focuses on rare genetic conditions known as inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) that affect the development and function of the immune system.

Each IEI case that is investigated gives invaluable insights into how the immune system functions. By studying these rare conditions, Prof. Tangye’s work is not only helping affected individuals but also gaining knowledge that could benefit the broader population.

Over the past two decades, Prof. Tangye has identified new genetic variants linked to immune diseases, leading to many diagnoses and targeted treatment. His work helps reduce the time and stress that patients with rare diseases experience as they try to get a diagnosis for their condition.

Prof. Tangye said receiving the Eureka Prize was an opportunity to shine a light on rare immune diseases and the patients and their families affected by them.

“I’d really like to thank the patients and their families who’ve allowed us to help them hopefully improve their journey through their diagnostic odysseys,” Prof. Tangye told the awards ceremony.

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes is now in its 34th year. A total of $180,000 in cash prizes was distributed among 19 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, celebrating outstanding achievements in Research and Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement, and School Science.