Our member, Associate Professor Adriana Verges (UNSW), is a finalist for the prestigious Eureka Prizes 2021 in the category “Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science“.
Adriana says:
As an ecologist, I feel that science communication and engaging with the general public has never been more important. Although our scientific understanding of the world is increasing at a very fast rate, there is a growing mistrust of experts and a growing disconnect between what we know and how we act. Marine restoration projects like Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia are collaborations with artists and local communities, where we are using science and storytelling to re-establish important lost underwater ecosystems and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Such inter-disciplinary projects could never work without the engagement of many passionate members of the community. We hope projects like these can inspire more of us to see that when we lend nature a helping hand, its ability to heal and flourish is both extraordinary and essential.
The 2021 Eureka Prize winners will be announced during a live broadcast event on Thursday 7 October.
Regardless the final outcome these are great news. Congratulations Adriana!