Dr Caitlin Byrt, from the University of Adelaide, was announced as a finalist for the Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher, and Professor Barry Pogson, from the Australian National University, is a finalist for the University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.
Dr Byrt is focused on research to address the agricultural issues of rising salinity and more frequent drought. Such environmental changes are challenging agricultural ecosystems and posing a significant threat to Australia's future food security. Dr Byrt’s research has identified sodium transport genes, which are now being used globally to produce salt tolerant crops that are better adapted to changing environments.
Professor Pogson's vision is to create a nexus of researchers, industry leaders and policy makers that collectively shape agriculture for the benefit of global food security. He has a significant impact on the personal development, career prospects and learning experiences of students at all tertiary levels.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science. Prize winners will be announced on the 29th of August.