Science
Eureka prizes recognise research on trauma memory, genetics legislation, and melanoma
The Australian Museum presented awards across 19 categories, highlighting advances in forensic psychology, public health, and environmental science.
The short version
- The 2026 Australian Museum Eureka prizes were presented in Sydney across 19 science and research categories.
- Associate Professor Helen Paterson won an award for forensic psychology research on how domestic abuse survivors recall repeated trauma.
- Other recipients were recognised for genetic discrimination policy reforms, melanoma treatments, marine heatwave tracking, and solar panel recycling.
Key facts
- Associate Professor Helen Paterson of the University of Sydney received a Eureka prize for forensic science for research demonstrating that witnesses to repeated trauma recall core events accurately despite often mixing up specific episode details.[The Guardian]
- Paterson's studies found that individuals who report repeated victimisation are frequently perceived in legal settings as less credible, less competent, and less honest than single-event witnesses.[The Guardian]
- Monash University's Associate Professor Jane Tiller won an award for advocacy that led to an April law banning life insurers from discriminating based on genetic tests, taking effect on October 8.[The Guardian]
- Professor Georgina Long was awarded the Eureka prize for scientific research for her contributions to melanoma treatment.[The Guardian]
- Additional awards went to a joint CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology marine heatwave forecasting tool, the Women's Microbiome Innovation Group, and University of New South Wales Professor Yansong Shen for solar panel material recycling.[The Guardian]