The University of Canberra’s dartR software team has won an Australian Museum Eureka Prize, taking top spot for an open-source tool that has transformed how genetic data is analysed – helping to improve breeding programs and protecting endangered species.

Prof Bernd Gruber, from the Faculty of Science and Technology, is project lead and the original creator of the dartR software.

The software took out the award in the Australian Research Data Commons Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research Software category. It’s one of the newest categories in the awards program, and celebrates the pivotal role software plays in enabling and enhancing scientific discovery.

“We are absolutely stoked and deeply honoured – this award is recognition of years of collaborative effort and the dedication of an incredible international team,” Prof Gruber said.

“This win shows that open-source tools like dartR can make a real difference across science, conservation, and beyond. We hope this will help dartR reach even more people – and that it inspires wider use of genomic data to drive discoveries.”

Executive Dean Prof Janine Deakin said that the achievement was testament to the team’s innovation, dedication, and impact in the field.

“The Eureka Prizes are among Australia’s most respected science awards, and this recognition places the dartR team among the very best,” she said.

“This award recognises the incredible work of Bernd and his UC colleagues, along with collaborators from across Australia and internationally. We are incredibly proud of their work and the recognition they have received on a national stage.”