The finalists’ work spans a wide range of impact areas, including sustainable marine infrastructure, climate change mitigation, whale conservation, bio-innovation, advanced sensor technology, and defence-grade semiconductor research.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius says the recognition demonstrates Macquarie University’s commitment to research excellence across multiple disciplines.
“This group of finalists represents the breadth and quality of science and engineering research being conducted at Macquarie University,” Professor Pretorius says. “From protecting our coastlines, to enhancing sensing technology, to advancing our national defence capabilities, our researchers are tackling some of today’s most critical global and local issues.”
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Samuel Muller says the finalists demonstrate how Macquarie-led research enriches society through bold discovery and cross-disciplinary innovation.
“We are a university driven by discovery and a mission to lead change where it matters most,” Professor Muller says.
“The Eureka Prizes are Australia’s most prestigious research awards, recognising the power of innovation and breakthroughs. It’s wonderful to see our finalists taking their place among the best of the best.”
Congratulations to the following Eureka Prize finalists from Macquarie University:
Environmental Research – Living Seawalls team
Professor Melanie Bishop and Honorary Professor Katherine Dafforn from the School of Natural Sciences are recognised as leaders in the Living Seawalls team, which provides sustainable coastal protection while supporting marine biodiversity.
Interdisciplinary Scientific Research – Cross Currents team
Professor Neil Saintilan from the School of Natural Sciences, who leads the Cross Currents initiative, is a finalist for his research on coastal wetlands and carbon sinks, demonstrating how these ecosystems play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Professor Saintilan has also received the NSW Premier's Prize and AAS Mawson Medal.
Promoting Understanding of Science – Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Vanessa Pirotta from the School of Natural Sciences, a returning finalist from 2024, is recognised for her exceptional science communication work focused on whale research and marine conservation.
Leadership in Science and Innovation – Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen
Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen from the School of Natural Sciences, also a 2024 finalist, has been acknowledged for his leadership in bio-innovation and biotechnology research.
Innovative Use of Technology – Fission Chips team
The all-Macquarie team of Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri, Professor Shujuan Huang and Dr Jayden Chen from the School of Engineering have been recognised for their development of advanced nano sensors. Associate Professor Nasiri was also a 2023 finalist.
Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia – Semiconductor research team
Dr Jafar Shojaii from the School of Engineering, in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology’s Dr Kamal Gupta, is recognised for research developing radiation-hardened semiconductor chips so essential electronics can resist cosmic rays in space and other radiation threats in defence applications.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, celebrating excellence across research and innovation, leadership and science engagement, with a total prize pool of $200,000.
As well as fielding six finalists, Macquarie University is proud to be an ongoing sponsor of the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
Winners will be announced at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Award Ceremony on 3 September 2025 at Sydney Town Hall and livestreamed at australian.museum/eurekaprizes.
