A team from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) who discovered that crocodiles in the Kakadu National Park were suffering from elevated levels of lead in their bodies are one of three finalists for the prestigious Sherman Eureka Prize for Environmental Research.
Led by Dr Ross Jeffree of ANSTO Environment, the team is in the running for the $10,000 prize, awarded for research in any field of the biological, physical, mathematical or biomedical sciences leading to the resolution of an environmental problem or the improvement of our natural environment. The two essential criteria for the award are scientific excellence and some manifest benefit to the natural world.
Begun in 1990, the Australian Museum Eureka Awards have grown into one of Australias pre-eminent national science awards. The Eureka Prizes, which attracted over 1500 entries in 18 categories this year, are run in partnership with federal and NSW state governments.
The Sherman Eureka Prize for Environmental Research is sponsored by the president of the Australian Museum Trust, Brian Sherman. Other nominees for the award are researchers from the University of Newcastle and the Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology at the University of Canberra.
Results of the awards will be announced on 13 August.
Published: 30/07/2002