Early career academics shine at the Big Science Pitch 2025

Seven early career academics took to the stage on Tuesday 11 November to pitch bold and diverse research ideas, each competing for a share of $110,000 in funding at this year’s Big Science Pitch.

Hosted by climate scientist and science communicator Dr Linden Ashcroft, the fifth annual event challenged finalists to present their innovative projects in just three minutes to a panel of expert judges and a live online audience of more than 350 people.

^{Big Science Pitch 2025 finalists and judges (left to right): Dr Mia Cobb, Dr Simon Higham, Nate Byrne, Dr Megan Lucas, Professor Todd Lane, Dr Kimberley Reid, Imogen Crump, Dr Katherine Morgan, Dr Jason Jung, Dr Gayathri Gopakumar, Dr Rebecca Webb and Dr Linden Ashcroft.}  

The researchers addressed some big scientific challenges – from developing targeted radiation treatments for metastatic breast cancer and creating vaccines for marsupials, to restoring movement after spinal cord injury and improving the welfare of working and companion animals.

The winners

• First place ($15,000) and People’s Choice Award ($10,000): Dr Katherine Morgan (School of Chemistry), From molecules to medicines: Targeting metastatic breast cancer with precision radiation
• Second place ($10,000): Dr Gayathri Gopakumar (Melbourne Veterinary School), Fighting the hidden threat: A vaccine for marsupial herpesviruses
• Third place ($5,000): Dr Mia Cobb (Melbourne Veterinary School), Happy dog science: Helping our canine co-workers and companions to thrive

All finalists received $10,000 for being shortlisted, with additional funding awarded to the top three pitches and the People’s Choice Award. Winning pitches were based on innovation, delivery and the overall impact of the pitch.

The judging panel was chaired by Faculty of Science Deputy Dean Professor Todd Lane, and included Pursuit Editor Imogen Crump, ABC News Breakfast Weather Presenter and science communicator Nate Byrne, and 2024 Big Science Pitch first-place winner Dr Rebecca Webb.

More than 350 attendees from across Australia and overseas joined the live Q&A with each finalist and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.

Watch the full event recording below.