Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

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Launch Among the Dinosaurs

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Making an appearance at the launch of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes was a 22 metre, long-necked plant eater called Jobia. Also at the launch was the Hon Frank Sartor MP, Minister for the Arts, a 228 million year old Eoraptor, a Tyrannosaurus rex and 200 invited guests (of the human variety).

Guests sipped champagne, mingled amongst ancient predators and enjoyed state-of-the-art displays that brought prehistoric worlds back to life in the Australian Museum's brand new Dinosaurs exhibition.

"What a great way to kick off the Eureka year" said Frank Howarth, Director of the Australian Museum. "The new Dinosaurs exhibition and the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are two major highlights for the Australian Museum this year. It's great to celebrate them together!"

Far from extinction is the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, which has grown in size and stature to become Australia's premier science awards. The 2008 series sees 20 prizes worth over $200,000 on offer.

The prizes are presented in the categories of scientific research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science communication and journalism. For a list of all the prizes, prize details and online entry forms go here.

Entries close 2 May 2008. Finalists will be announced on 24 July. Winners will be announced at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Gala Dinner on 19 August.

Check out what some of our guests got up to.

Starting from the top:

1. Eureka Prize Judge Leslie Butterfield, CEO, McLachlan Lister Pty Limited with prehistoric friend

2. Brian Sherman, President, Australian Museum Trust, The Hon Frank Sartor MP & Frank Howarth, Director, Australian Museum

3. Maryanne Demasi, ABC Catalyst with prehistoric friend

4. Melinda Cook & Marnie Kikken, Nature Conservation Council

5. Carol Mills, Director General, Department of Arts, Sport & Recreation, Dawn Casey, Director, Powerhouse Museum & Frank Howarth, Director, Australian Museum

6. Past Eureka Prize Winner Veena Sahajwalla with Susan Lundy, Industry Relations Administrator, Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology