• Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro presents the Eureka prize to Team Grey Scan. Credit: DST
    Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro presents the Eureka prize to Team Grey Scan. Credit: DST
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A University of Tasmania team has won a Eureka Prize for the development of the world’s first trace detection device that can identify inorganic explosives in under a minute.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price congratulated Team Grey Scan for winning the Defence Science Technology sponsored prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia, at last night’s Australian Museum Eureka Prizes in Sydney.

“Until now, it has been impossible to identify trace amounts of inorganic explosives commonly found in homemade devices, which pose a greater risk than conventional explosives due to their easily obtainable components,” Minister Price said.

“Team Grey Scan’s portable, compact device will assist in safeguarding Australia through its possible use in mass transit locations, such as airports, train stations, cargo and mail handling facilities, and public events.

“I also wish to congratulate Defence for supporting the Australian Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia, which recognises quiet achievers who are not often publicly acknowledged, but whose visionary work impacts upon Australians every day.”

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