2025 Eureka Prizes’ South Australian finalists announced: The scientists making big breakthroughs

South Australians are leading the way in research and innovation from quantum detection to wildlife recovery. Meet the scientists making breakthroughs that are set to change the world.

The Passport2Recovery team at work - one of the leading innovators in SA.

From nanoscale biophonics to roadkill and degraded DNA, South Australian researchers are breaking new ground — and being recognised for it as finalists in the 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

The 59 national finalists announced on Thursday are being recognised for remarkable scientific endeavours and achievements, with the winners announced on September 3 at the annual black-tie award ceremony at Sydney Town Hall.

The Eureka Prizes are the nation’s premier science awards, offering $200,000 in prize money across a broad spectrum of research from environmental to innovative technologies, citizen science, leadership and mentoring.

Professor Shane Ahyong, Acting Chief Scientist at the Australian Museum Research Institute, said the finalists display a steadfast commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and demonstrate the importance of collaborative innovation.

“The Eureka Prizes showcase the power of collective thinking and cross-discipline partnership, and it is a privilege to celebrate the results of what happens when Australia’s best scientific minds come together,” he said.

“When you look at this year’s list of finalists, you’ll see the results of scientific inquiry and innovation, which are clever, courageous and deeply relevant.

“At a time when global challenges can feel overwhelming, these finalists remind us of that.”

The SA finalists are:

University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science:

Towards a Smart PCR Process, Flinders University and Forensic Science SA

Towards a Smart PCR Process, Associate Professor Russell Brinkworth, Dr Duncan Taylor, Professor Adrian Linacre, PhD Candidate Caitlin McDonald.

Towards a Smart PCR Process developed a DNA amplification system that uses real-time feedback and machine learning to adjust the process as it runs.

This improves the quality of genetic data from degraded or low-level samples, increasing the chances of recovering usable results for forensic investigations and other scientific applications.

Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research:

Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Group, The University of Adelaide; SA Pathology; Department for Health and Wellbeing; Women’s and Children’s Hospital; and Northern Territory Health

Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Group, Dr Bing Wang, Dr Mark McMillan, Professor Helen Marshall, Mr Andrew Lawrence and Dr Louise Flood.

The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Group demonstrated that one vaccine can protect against both meningococcal B disease and gonorrhoea – two serious infections that disproportionately impact First Nations young people.

Their research has changed global vaccine policy, informed national programs and offers a new strategy to curb gonorrhoea as antibiotic resistance grows.

Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia:

Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratories Team, The University of Adelaide; Silanna; and The University of Queensland

Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratories Team, Professor Petar Atanackovic, Dr Giuseppe Carlo Tettamanzi, Professor Christophe Fumeaux.

Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratories Team

The Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratories Team developed a new class of quantum antennas to detect signals better, faster and earlier.

It could allow Defence Forces to detect assets up to 10 times further than any current technology.

The antennas also have potential applications in mineral detection, healthcare and data transmission.

Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science:

Professor Mark Hutchinson, University of Adelaide

Professor Mark Hutchinson.

Professor Mark Hutchinson is reshaping Australia’s research and innovation landscape.

As Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, he pioneered a bench-to-boardroom model that has led to 19 spin-outs.

He also helped establish the $1.6 billion Australian Economic Accelerator and advises Cabinet on national science priorities.

Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science:

Passport2Recovery, Flinders University

Passport2Recovery team, Professor Kirstin Ross, Dr Cassie Hoepner, Professor Karen Burke da Silva, Dr Ryan Baring and Dr Julian Beaman.

Passport2Recovery provides critical insights into Kangaroo Island’s recovery after the 2020 bushfires.

It unites 12 research programs in one website and app, including initiatives on native bees, roadkill and koala movements.

More than 5000 tourists from 47 countries have engaged with the program, gaining scientific literacy for future citizen science projects.

Originally published as 2025 Eureka Prizes’ South Australian finalists announced: The scientists making big breakthroughs