La Trobe Wodonga researcher wins Eureka Prize for turtle conservation

Associate Professor James Van Dyke, of La Trobe University, and the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program team won a Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science at a gala ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday, August 23.

The project was one of 55 entries to have been shortlisted for 18 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

A joint project between researchers at La Trobe University, Western Sydney University and the University of New England, 1 Million Turtles sees individuals and groups engaged in turtle habitat construction and restoration, turtle nest protection and fox management.

The TurtleSAT app allows community members to record their sightings anywhere in Australia, with the data helping to reduce turtle deaths.

Associate Professor Van Dyke, of La Trobe's School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, said the win came after years of collaboration.

"It's pretty amazing and great recognition for our citizen scientists and to help the turtles across Australia," he said.

Emphasising science, technology, engineering and mathematics literacy and First Nations knowledge, the nationwide program has influenced policy and saved more than 1000 freshwater turtles and 200 nests in 2022 alone.

"The program has changed attitudes toward STEM and has created opportunities for community members to actively learn, participate and contribute to freshwater turtle research and conservation," Associate Professor Van Dyke said.

Presented annually, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes aim to raise the profile of science and science engagement in the community by celebrating outstanding achievement.

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