A team of researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, Australia’s most prestigious science awards, for pioneering forensic chemistry research that is transforming how dangerous new drugs are detected and identified.
The ANU Testing Traces team has been shortlisted for the University of Technology Sydney and Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science for its innovative work rapidly detecting and identifying new psychoactive substances at ANU from samples presented to Canberra’s pill testing service.
Since 2022, the team has achieved several world-first detections of dangerous drugs by analysing microscopic traces from samples submitted to Canberra’s pill testing service.
Their discoveries allow health authorities to issue public health alerts within hours, reducing harm before dangerous new substances become more widespread.
Team leader Professor Malcolm McLeod from the Research School of Chemistry said the recognition was a testament to the dedication of the early-career researchers behind the project.
“This recognition shines a light on the extraordinary PhD students whose dedication and expertise have driven the ‘new drugs from testing traces’ project,” Professor McLeod said.
“Their research has uncovered emerging drugs, revealed the risks they pose to Australians and enabled rapid public health responses that can ultimately save lives.”
The team’s research combines advanced forensic chemistry with real-time public health action, allowing scientists to identify previously unknown substances from only tiny amounts of material.
PhD researcher Blake Curtis said the work demonstrated how forensic science could make an immediate difference to public health.
“Forensics isn't always about traditional detective work," Curtis said.
“Sometimes, it's a scientist in a lab solving a molecular mystery – piecing together wholly new drugs atom by atom.
“Being recognised as a Eureka Prize finalist is an honour, because it acknowledges the work our whole team has put into developing methods that can rapidly identify emerging drugs before they become widespread.”
Among their breakthroughs was the world-first identification of three novel stimulant drugs in 2023, followed by the world-first detection of the potent synthetic opioid N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene in pills expected to contain oxycodone.
More recently, the researchers reported Australia’s first detection of the novel synthetic opioid isotocyanozene.
PhD researcher Jessica Algar said the project highlighted the value of combining cutting-edge analytical chemistry with collaborative public health responses.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the research we undertake in the laboratory has a direct impact on protecting communities,” Algar said.
“Every new substance we identify helps build a global picture of emerging drugs, enabling researchers and health authorities around the world to respond more quickly to future threats.”
The team’s discoveries have informed safety assessments by the World Health Organisation and contributed to drug control decisions at the United Nations, demonstrating the global impact of research that began in Canberra.
The Australian Museum has unveiled the finalists for the 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, recognising 58 finalists representing 150 individuals across 19 award categories.
Widely celebrated as Australia’s most prestigious science awards, the Eureka Prizes celebrate excellence in research, innovation, leadership and science engagement.
The winners of the 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes will be announced on 3 September at Sydney Town Hall.
