Western Sydney University researchers named as finalists in the 2025 Eureka Prizes
Western Sydney University researchers have been named among the finalists selected for Australia’s leading science awards, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Eureka Prizes finalists not only display a steadfast commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, but also demonstrate the importance of collaborative innovation and solution seeking.
Celebrating the very best of Australian scientific discovery, invention, communication, innovation and leadership, finalists from across Australia have been announced in 20 award categories, with Western Sydney University researchers in the running for two prizes.
Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science
Finalist: Professor Gemma Sharp, Western Sydney University
The Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science is awarded to an individual scientist who has used their leadership skills to create impact within their discipline or more broadly.
Professor Sharp has transformed global understanding and care for people with body image, eating and weight disorders.
Her research and digital tools have supported hundreds of thousands worldwide. As Founding Director of the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (opens in a new window), she unites voices across five continents to drive inclusive, evidence-based change.
“I am truly honoured to be a finalist for the Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science and represent the field of body image, eating and weight disorders,” said Professor Sharp.
“As a scientist, clinician and advocate, I lead research which has been labelled ‘bench to bedside...and beyond’. My work focuses on highly complex mental and physical health issues, and I am passionate about bringing all disciplines and groups together to ultimately develop cures.”
UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research
Finalist: CO2 Concrete, Western Sydney University
The UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research is awarded for outstanding curiosity-driven scientific research.
Western Sydney University’s CO2 Concrete team, led by Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, with co-inventors Associate Professor Khoa Le and Dr Anthony Butera, are reducing landfill and CO2 emissions with their innovative recycled concrete which is durable and high strength.
Since 2022 to 2025, the CO2 Concrete (opens in a new window) project has participated in concrete pathway pours at the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, the Edmondson Park North commuter carpark, and the Maidstone Tram Maintenance Facility in Victoria.
The CO2 Concrete team are finalists in the 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. Left to right: Lei Liu, Matt Dockary, Tibin Thomas, Bruce Ryan, Vivian Tam, Mingxue Ma, Yijun Zhou.
“The CO2 Concrete is a revolutionary, high strength, and durable material that captures carbon by combining recycled aggregates with low carbon concrete,” said Distinguished Professor Tam.
“As we look ahead, we are committed to making every concrete pour a step toward a cleaner, better Australia.”
“By turning construction waste into high-performance material, CO2 Concrete reduces emissions and landfill. Used in major infrastructure builds with up to 60 per cent recycled content, concrete suppliers have a practical way to lower their environmental impact.”
Winners of the 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes will be announced on Wednesday, 3 September at Sydney Town Hall. The winners share in a total prize pool of $200,000.
ENDS
5 August 2025
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