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Scientific Research
WINNER - Predicting Properties of Nanoparticles in Sunscreens
Ray of Hope for the Perfect Sunscreen
Australians have long understood that applying sunscreen is essential to reduce the risk of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We don't want to look unattractive with it, though.
The good news is that nanotechnology has helped develop transparent sunscreens. So, in most cases, we can ditch heavy white war paint such as opaque zinc creams, which are now rarely applied beyond the nose and lips. The bad news is the same nanotechnology can produce toxic free radicals that may cause degenerative diseases and cancers.
Dr Amanda Barnard, leader of the Virtual Nanoscience Laboratory at the CSIRO in Victoria, is at the forefront of investigations into the problem. For her research into the properties of nanoparticles in sunscreen, she has won the 2010 University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.
Dr Barnard's work provides crucial guidance for the design of sunscreens, protecting outdoor-loving Australians. And in a broader sense, she is contributing to the safe commercialisation of nanotechnology - a revolution of the 21st century and an emerging billion-dollar industry.
Sunscreen protection depends on metal oxide particles in the lotion which scatter or absorb UV radiation. The large size of the particles in earlier sunscreens caused the creams to be opaque. At just millionths of a millimeter in size, nanoparticles of the same metal oxides are able to do the same job of combating UV radiation in modern sunscreens. The products have a couple of benefits: they are transparent, and there is no trade-off between efficacy and aesthetics.
However, we now know that metal oxide nanoparticles undergo reactions which can produce toxic free radicals. So what is the optimum size of particles to provide maximum UV protection, transparency and minimal toxicity in sunscreens? It's an important question because some people are reluctant to wear unflattering sunscreens. And if they don't apply them, their risk of contracting skin cancer through UV exposure increases dramatically.
Dr Barnard has been using a combination of supercomputer simulations and advanced theoretical modelling to measure efficacy (the SPF or sun protection factor), aesthetics (product transparency) and potential nanotoxicity (free radical production). While she believes that we can't have our cake and eat it too, her work will allow manufacturers to tailor the properties of sunscreens and let consumers make more informed decisions.
Another aspect of sunscreen use is that they wash off. That means our planet wears the consequences of our sunscreen choice as we sweat, wash hands or swim in natural environs, with the free radicals potentially poisoning all life forms. Dr Barnard's research will also increase understanding of the environmental impact of nanoparticles.
The $10,000 Eureka Prize for Scientific Research is awarded to a researcher for outstanding curiosity-driven scientific research. It is sponsored by the University of New South Wales.
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Sponsor
The University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research is sponsored by University of New South Wales.
Description
The University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research is awarded to a researcher(s) for outstanding curiosity-driven scientific research.
prize
$10,000
Purpose
The University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research is awarded for outstanding curiosity-driven scientific research.
Research entered may be an individual project or a body of work. In either case, the research is required to have been:
• undertaken in Australia by an Australian scientist(s)
• published in an internationally respected, externally-refereed scientific journal(s), book(s) or equivalent electronic publication(s), and
• undertaken no more than 5 years before the closing date for entries.
Judging Criteria
Entries should specifically address how their work meets the following judging criteria:
1) Originality of research
2) Employment of a conceptual or investigative approach not normally used in the field of research
3) Rigour of the research program
4) The probability that the contribution will lead to a significantly new investigative approach to problem-solving in the field of research
Conditions of entry
The prize is open to individuals or groups. Entrants can either enter themselves or be nominated by others.
Research entered for this prize must have been undertaken:
• in Australia by an Australian citizen(s) or Australian resident(s). Where the entry is by a research group, all members of the group must meet this criterion; and
• no more than five (5) years prior to the closing date for entries.
Research entered for this prize must have been published in an internationally respected, externally-refereed scientific journal(s), book(s) or equivalent electronic publication(s).
You must submit an online entry form including all supporting documentation by midnight AEST Friday 7 May 2010 to be eligible for this prize.
Entries with insufficient sets of supporting documentation will not be considered. Submitted material will not be returned.
Any entries received after midnight AEST Friday 7 May 2010 will not be considered.
Hard-copy applications will not be considered.
The research entered/nominated for this prize may not be entered/nominated for another Australian Museum Eureka Prize.
The deliberations of the judging panel remain confidential. All recommendations and decisions taken are binding and final and no correspondence will be entered into on such matters.
Information provided by the entrant(s) in relation to the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes (including photos), may be used by the Australian Museum for promotional/publicity purposes. This may include, and is not restricted to, the information being used on websites, social media, printed material, advertisements, press releases etc.
Personal information provided in connection with the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes will be used only by the Australian Museum and only in connection with the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
How to enter
1. You must prepare and attach the following supporting documents to your online entry form. (Please clearly label your attachments as per below.)
a. Research Summary: a brief description of the research entered, including objectives and results to date (two page maximum)
b. Judging Criteria: a brief description of how the research entered addresses each of the judging criteria (two page maximum)
c. Publication: evidence of publication of the research in an internationally respected, externally-refereed scientific journal(s), book(s) or equivalent electronic publication(s)
d. Assesor Reports: a maximum of four (4) written reports addressing each of the judging criteria from assessors who are familiar with the entered research (two page maximum per report). NOTE: Judges rely on assessor's reports to provide additional perspective and informed opinion on the entry. Assessors should not be personally or directly involved in the work entered in this prize.
Supporting documentation can be uploaded in Microsoft Word (.doc), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), Microsoft Excel (.xls) or JPeg (.jpg). Collectively, attachments can be no larger than 5MB.
2. Submit an online entry form by midnight AEST Friday 7 May 2010.
Complete the online entry form which must include all your supporting documents and submit by midnight AEST Friday 1 May 2009.
If you require further information or help, please call the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Unit on +61 2 9320 6483 or email eureka@austmus.gov.au
