Eureka! The winner is CSIRO, for sediment research

Three CSIRO scientists who helped develop new guidelines for the responsible management of contaminated sediments in our harbours, estuaries and rivers have won the Land & Water Australia Eureka Prize for Water Research.

Dr Graeme Batley, Dr Stuart Simpson and Dr Jenny Stauber have been working with other CSIRO scientists and researchers from the University of Canberra, the NSW Department of Environment & Conservation and the University of Wollongong to improve the assessment and regulation of contaminated sediments.

"Sediments are often overlooked, but are really important as food sources and breeding grounds for aquatic organisms. Our research protects Australia's aquatic ecosystems," Batley said.

While water quality is effectively regulated in Australia and New Zealand, until 2000 there was no available guidance to industry or regulators on how to assess the impacts of contaminated sediments.

"The situation really had to be rectified, considering sediments are the ultimate repository of most water-borne contaminants," Batley said.

The Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners were announced, at the Eureka Prize awards dinner in Sydney, 22 August. The prizes are awarded in four categories: Research, Leadership and Innovation, Education and Science Communication.