Curtin University researchers have been recognised for their role in a national program that has helped more than 300,000 young Australians avoid vaping, winning a 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prize.
The OurFutures Vaping Program took out the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science category for using evidence-based lessons co-designed with students and teachers to help adolescents avoid vaping.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes recognise outstanding achievement across Australian science and celebrate excellence in research, innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.
A collaboration involving Professor Nyanda McBride and Research Associate Jazlyn East from Curtin’s National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) and five other Australian universities, the OurFutures Vaping Program was trialled in 40 schools and reduced the odds of students vaping by 65 per cent after one year and has now reached more than 300,000 students across Australia.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the Curtin researchers involved in the award-winning program.
“This accolade recognises research that has moved beyond theory and into the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Australians,” Professor Hayne said.
“The OurFutures Vaping Program is a powerful example of what can be achieved when researchers work across institutions and disciplines to tackle an important community challenge.
“We are incredibly proud of the Curtin researchers who have contributed their expertise to a program that is already having a measurable impact on young people across Australia.”
The award comes as vaping continues to present significant challenges for young people, with the OurFutures program providing an evidence-based approach to prevention that can be delivered at scale in schools Australia-wide.
It brings together experts from Curtin, the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, the University of Queensland, Curtin University, Monash University, UNSW and the University of Newcastle.
The program’s approach was co-designed with students and teachers, ensuring its online lessons are relevant and engaging for young people while providing practical strategies to help them avoid vaping.
Curtin Faculty of Health Sciences Research Fellow Dr Rina Wong was also a finalist at this year’s awards, nominated in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion category for her Engaging Children/Community In Science (ECIS) initiative.
ECIS has engaged more than 15,000 people through 268 workshops, ranging from toddlers to seniors, with a focus on people with disabilities and people from diverse backgrounds, using animation, songs and theatre to promote the idea that science is for everyone.
“This year’s awards celebrate research that does more than advance knowledge – it creates meaningful change in people’s lives,” Professor Hayne said.
“Curtin’s acknowledgement is a testament to translating research into practical solutions that can make a difference in communities.”
The full list of winners is available here.
