The 2026 NSW Young Tall Poppy Awards have shone a spotlight on three UNSW Sydney researchers, Dr Aaron Eger, Professor Clare Arnott, and Dr Hammond Pearce, for their groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. These awards, presented by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS), celebrate not only their individual achievements but also their commitment to communicating science to the broader community. This trio's work spans ocean conservation, health equity, and cybersecurity, each with a unique and impactful approach.
Dr Aaron Eger: Restoring the Ocean's Green Canopy
Dr Eger's research focuses on the rapidly disappearing kelp forests, some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. His work aims to understand why these forests are declining and develop strategies for restoration. What sets Dr Eger apart is his ability to translate scientific findings into large-scale conservation action. He co-leads the Kelp Forest Challenge, an ambitious initiative to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. This challenge is not just a scientific endeavor but a collaborative effort involving 380 organizations across 25 countries, united under the Kelp Forest Alliance. Dr Eger's approach, which combines science with public engagement and collaboration, is a testament to the power of collective action in environmental conservation.
Professor Clare Arnott: Unlocking Heart Health for Women
Professor Arnott, a cardiologist and researcher, has dedicated her career to advancing health outcomes in cardiovascular disease, with a special focus on addressing inequities in women's health. She established Australia's first Women's Heart Clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, demonstrating her commitment to improving women's cardiovascular health. Her research leverages existing systems that women regularly engage with, such as mammograms, to identify risks of heart disease and cancer. By using machine learning to re-analyze mammograms, Prof. Arnott's team has developed a method that is both convenient and safe for women, while also being efficient for the health system. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also ensures that no woman is left behind, addressing the issue of health inequities.
Dr Hammond Pearce: Navigating the AI-Cybersecurity Landscape
Dr Pearce's research takes a cross-disciplinary approach, combining large language models (LLMs) with cybersecurity to address global security risks. His work explores both the positive and negative impacts of AI, examining how AI can help build safer systems and how insecure or malicious uses of AI can harm individuals and society. Through projects like Capture the Narrative, Dr Pearce translates complex AI-security risks into accessible, evidence-based public education. This effort is crucial in helping people recognize and respond to the threats posed by AI-powered bots and synthetic content. Dr Pearce's work not only contributes to the advancement of AI but also to the development of cyber literacy, a vital skill in today's digital age.
The 2026 NSW Young Tall Poppy Awards highlight the diverse and impactful work of these three researchers. Their contributions to ocean conservation, health equity, and cybersecurity demonstrate the power of science to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, noted, these researchers are not just advancing progress at an individual level but also at a societal and global level, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
