UNSW Sydney sponsors new Australian Museum Eureka Prize in societal impact

The new Prize aligns with the launch of the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, which focuses on driving positive, lasting societal impact through education, research and leadership.

In a move amplifying its commitment to driving global change, UNSW Sydney is sponsoring a new category at the prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, opens in a new window (AMEP)—the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science. 

The Prize will be awarded to individuals or teams who, through partnership with industry, government or not-for-profit, transform their scientific research into practical solutions that address pressing global societal challenges.

The Prize reflects the recently launched UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, opens in a new window, which sets the University’s vision for making a positive impact for all parts of society on a global scale through education, research and engagement.

The University’s dedication to societal impact is also captured in the Societal Impact Framework, opens in a new window. The framework focuses on areas such as environmental sustainability, social equity, health, and resilience, ensuring that scientific and academic excellence translates into real-world progress.

UNSW Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said the Prize serves as a recognition of the essential role collaboration and innovation play in addressing global challenges.

“Sponsoring the Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science is a natural extension of UNSW's commitment to creating positive, lasting change,” Prof. Brungs said. “As a university, we believe in the fundamental value of research to society and its ability to address global challenges and improve lives. By supporting this Prize, we are not only celebrating scientific excellence but also recognising the critical role that collaboration and societal impact play in shaping a better future for all.”

Entries are invited from all scientific disciplines, encompassing research at various stages—from early ideas to fully developed solutions. It encourages entrants who demonstrate how their work, in collaboration with others, can create tangible benefits for society.

Associate Professor Kelly Clemens, Associate Dean of Impact Partnerships and a neuroscientist at UNSW Science, said the Prize acknowledges scientific work that extends beyond the laboratory and into the community to influence policy decisions, public health measures and environmental conservation efforts. 

A/Prof. Clemens highlighted several examples of UNSW’s research that exemplify the spirit of societal impact, such as Professor Jes Sammut’s pioneering work in Papua New Guinea to improve health and economic outcomes through sustainable fish farming and Professor Eva Kimonis’s early intervention program that has led to improvements in dysfunctional student behaviour, changing the educational trajectory of many children.

“This Prize recognises not just the excellence of scientific discovery, but the broader, transformative impact science can have,” A/Prof. Clemens explains. “Science, when it works hand in hand with communities, governments, and industry, can reshape lives in profound ways, and we’re excited to see more of these types of projects come to light through this Prize.”

Economic impact of UNSW Science research

A report led by the UNSW Business School in collaboration with UNSW Science, ‘The Economic Contribution of Science at UNSW’ estimates science research at UNSW has a significant economic impact, with scientific endeavours from the University pumping more than $350 million into the Australian economy each year and adding $2.2 billion to the global GDP.

Scientia Professor Sven Rogge, Dean of UNSW Science, underscored the transformative power of science, emphasising its role in creating tangible benefits for society.

“The Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science is of vital importance because it highlights the profound and far-reaching effects that scientific research can have when it is harnessed for the greater good,” Prof. Rogge said. “At UNSW, we are committed to turning knowledge into action that tackles the most pressing challenges of our time. This Prize celebrates the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and impact, recognising those who go beyond the laboratory to create real-world solutions that benefit society and improve lives across the globe.”

Often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of Australian science, the Eureka Prizes are now in their 35th year. The Eureka Prizes were established in 1990 to reward outstanding achievements in Australian science and science communication. A unique co-operative partnership between government, education and research institutions, private sector companies and organisations have provided more than $4.7 million in Prize money and a total of 509 Eureka Prizes have been awarded over the past three decades.