A novel, high-resolution air cargo scanner, developed by the CSIRO, has won the 2009 Eureka Prize for ‘Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security’ sponsored by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, congratulated the CSIRO Minerals Team on winning the $10,000 award.

“Security and border protection are key priorities for Australia and this invention will vastly improve airport security – not only in Australia but also around the globe,” Mr Combet said.

“This new scanning device will allow authorities to better detect and stop dangerous, illegal substances entering the country.”

The DSTO Eureka Prize was presented to the winning team by Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Robert Clark, at a gala awards function in Sydney held on 18 August 2009.

The winning invention combines fast neutron and X-ray radiography to provide high-resolution images of cargo.

“Unlike existing X-ray systems, the images collected by the CSIRO scanner provide information about the composition of materials inside the cargo. This information helps the operator to detect organic materials with ill-defined shapes such as concealed narcotics and explosives.

“Innovations such as this scanner help to reduce the amount of illicit and illegal trafficking of dangerous goods around the world,” Mr Combet said.

“The DSTO sponsored Eureka Prize recognises new inventions and new ways of using technologies and it is especially pleasing that this technology can be applied to enhance Australia’s national security effort.”

A full-scale prototype scanner was tested by Australian Customs at Brisbane International Airport. The scanner, which is capable of imaging cargo containers quickly and efficiently, is currently being commercialised in collaboration with Nuctech Company Limited.