The prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prizes were held last night at the iconic Sydney Town Hall, celebrating scientific excellence in Australia. This black-tie event was a grand showcase of the country's finest scientific minds and a testament to the nation’s growing pool of young talent. The evening saw around 19 awards across various categories, recognising seasoned scientists and the next generation of science leaders. Among these awards was the Eureka Sleek Geeks Prize, which honours innovative science communication by students.
In the Primary School category, PLC Sydney had two outstanding finalists: Cate Yuen and Eugenia Yeung. Cate was named the overall winner, while Eugenia earned the runner-up spot, marking a spectacular achievement for the school. This recognition highlights the scientific curiosity of these young minds and their ability to convey complex concepts in an engaging and understandable way.
Dr Paul Burgis, Melissa Watters, Annie Martin, Scott Gregory, Cate Yuen and Eugenia Yeung.
Cate's winning film, Popcorn Magic: Unlocking the Energy Within , is an exploration of one of her favourite snacks—popcorn. Through a series of experiments, she revealed why popcorn kernels explode, using a metal tin to demonstrate the concept. Delving into topics such as the laws of thermodynamics, energy and the different varieties of corn, Cate solved the age-old mystery of why some kernels remain unpopped. Her fast-paced, educational and fun presentation earned her the top prize, showcasing her impressive scientific knowledge and storytelling skills.
Eugenia Yeung, runner-up, and Cate Yuen, winner, of the Primary School category.
Adding to the magic of the night, the girls were gifted a book by Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a renowned scientist who was also a finalist at the Eureka Awards. The book turned out to be a meaningful souvenir, as Dr Pirotta herself was "over the moon" when she discovered that the girls had brought her book to be signed by the scientists in attendance. It was a fitting gesture on the night of nights for science in Australia.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Eugenia Yeung and Cate Yuen.
The Eureka Awards have long been synonymous with celebrating the finest in Australian science, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. From awe-inspiring innovations to thought-provoking films by students, the night offered a glimpse into the future of science in the country. The achievements of Cate and Eugenia are a testament to the excellence fostered at PLC Sydney and a sign of what young scientists can achieve with creativity, curiosity and dedication.
For more information on the Eureka Prize winners, visit the
Australian Museum's website
.