Spotlight shines on research and innovation projects

University of Adelaide researchers are among the finalists being recognised for their outstanding projects within the Research and Innovation category of the prestigious 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

The Australian Museum has revealed 29 finalists showcasing the exceptional talent of Australia's brightest scientific innovators. Finalists have garnered recognition for their substantial advancements within their individual scientific disciplines.

The Research and Innovation category is made up of 10 prizes, recognising the trailblazing advancements of Australian scientists. University of Adelaide finalists in the Research and Innovation category include:

• Cystic Fibrosis Lung Health Imaging from the University of Adelaide; Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide; 4D Medical Pty Ltd; and Monash University, led by Associate Professor David Parsons from Adelaide Medical School.
  Finalist in the Aspire Scholarship Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.
  To treat children with cystic fibrosis (CF), it is critical to know the location and extent of abnormal airflow. Combining expertise across physics, medicine and engineering, this interdisciplinary team developed a novel medical imaging method called X-ray Velocimetry. With further development it promises to help detect, treat and monitor CF and other lung diseases.
• The Extreme Heat and Health Adaptation Team led by Professor Peng Bi from the University of Adelaide.
  Finalist in the Aspire Scholarship Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.
  Heatwaves – intensified by climate change – pose many health and safety risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Leveraging expertise in sociology, epidemiology and meteorology, the Extreme Heat and Health Adaptation Team systematically assessed these risks to develop evidence-based life-saving interventions, guidance and targeted educational resources, enabling Australia’s flagship heatwave warning system.
• IMAGENDO team from the University of Adelaide and OMNI Ultrasound and Gynaecological Care, led by Professor Louise Hull from the Robinson Research Institute.
  Finalist in the ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.
  Endometriosis affects one in nine Australian women and people assigned female at birth, who experience significant pain and economic impacts during the six or more years it takes to receive a diagnosis. IMAGENDO is building innovative artificial intelligence capabilities to pair with MRI and ultrasound technology that, with further development, will provide rapid, non-invasive diagnosis.
• Dr Jiawen Li from the University of Adelaide
  Finalist in the Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
  Dr Jiawen Li from the University's School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) invented a microendoscope as thin as a strand of hair and powerful enough to accurately detect signs of heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. The highly-sensitive 3D-printed imaging device has the potential to provide cardiologists with high-resolution and accurate molecular insights not possible from existing technologies.

For more information and a full list of 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists visit australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

Eureka Prize winners will be announced Wednesday 23 August 2023.