Eureka Prizes reward research that pumps up the amount of energy we can get from sewage

This year’s “Oscars of science” celebrate the work of a researcher who’s been trying to get power from poo, citizen scientists using drones to help create 3D models of coastal communities, and the ABC’s daily coronavirus podcast Coronacast.

These winners were among the 17 recipients of tonight’s annual Australian Museum Eureka Awards, which celebrate research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.

It’s possible to get at least five times as much energy out of sewage than we do at the moment, says environmental engineer Qilin Wang of the University of Technology Sydney, one of tonight’s winners.

“Sewage treatment actually accounts for 10 to 25 per cent of the municipal energy consumption,” said Dr Wang, who was…