UTS scientists at the double for national prizes

UTS scientists are finalists in two categories of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes that celebrate outstanding achievement in scientific research, innovation, engagement and leadership. 

“From developing ‘baby food’ for corals to identifying and rescuing victims of mass disasters, UTS scientists are leading the way on research making a difference. Congratulations to our finalists for the Eureka Prizes,” said Professor Kate McGrath, UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). 

Dr Jen Matthews 
Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher 

Dr Jen Matthews has transformed understanding of coral resilience by revealing how nutrition governs coral survival, from larvae to reefs. Her research pioneered new experimental approaches to identify nutritional-limitation and translated these discoveries into practical coral supplements now improving restoration success, aquaculture outcomes and reef resilience under climate stress.  

“My research uncovered what young corals need to survive and thrive, and led to the development of the world’s first coral ‘baby food’, a nutritional supplement that doubles larval survival even during heatwaves,” she said. 

Enhancing Australia’s disaster response 
Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science 

Researchers led by Associate Professor Maiken Ueland use Australia’s only specialist facility where donated human remains can be ethically studied to test forensic methods in realistic disaster exercises. Bringing together researchers, police, Defence and forensic practitioners, the team evaluated tools for finding and identifying victims and trained hundreds of professionals to strengthen national disaster readiness. It is a partnership between UTS, Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Defence Science and Technology Group, NSW Police Force, Australian Society of Forensic Odontology and NSW Forensic Odontology Unit. 

“When disaster strikes, time is everything. We need to know the best way to find survivors and victims, identify them and figure out what happened. We simulate disaster scenarios for world leading training and are developing new technologies to find missing persons to recover individuals quicker and save lives,” said Associate Professor Ueland.