A groundbreaking national initiative designed to empower young Australians to resist vaping has received a prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science. The OurFutures Vaping Program, a collaborative effort involving researchers from multiple Australian universities, has successfully reached over 300,000 students, significantly reducing the likelihood of them engaging in vaping.
OurFutures Vaping Program Achieves National Recognition
The OurFutures Vaping Program was honored with the UNSW Eureka Prize for Societal Impact in Science, acknowledging its innovative use of evidence-based educational content co-created with students and teachers. This program directly addresses the growing concern of adolescent vaping by providing practical, engaging, and relevant strategies. The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are highly regarded, celebrating excellence and innovation across various scientific fields in Australia, including research, leadership, public engagement, and school-based science initiatives.
This collaborative project involved a consortium of leading Australian universities, including University, the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, the University of Queensland, Monash University, UNSW, and the University of Newcastle. The program’s development was spearheaded by Professor Nyanda McBride and Research Associate Jazlyn East from ’s National Drug Research Institute (NDRI), alongside their counterparts from the other participating institutions.
Evidence-Based Prevention with Measurable Impact
The efficacy of the OurFutures Vaping Program was rigorously tested in a trial involving 40 schools. The results were compelling: after one year, students participating in the program showed a 65 percent reduction in the odds of vaping compared to control groups. This success has paved the way for its widespread implementation across Australia, making it accessible to a vast number of young people.
Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice-Chancellor of University, lauded the researchers for their contribution to the award-winning program. “This accolade recognizes research that has moved beyond theory and into the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Australians,” Professor Hayne stated. “The OurFutures Vaping Program is a powerful example of what can be achieved when researchers work across institutions and disciplines to tackle an important community challenge. We are incredibly proud of the researchers who have contributed their expertise to a program that is already having a measurable impact on young people across Australia.”
Addressing a Critical Public Health Challenge
The recognition comes at a critical time, as vaping continues to pose significant health challenges for adolescents nationwide. The OurFutures program offers a scalable, evidence-based prevention strategy that can be effectively delivered within school settings across the country. Its design philosophy emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that the online lessons are not only informative but also resonate with the experiences and perspectives of young people.
The program’s success is rooted in its co-design approach. By actively involving students and teachers in the development process, the curriculum effectively delivers practical tools and knowledge that equip adolescents to make informed decisions about vaping. This student-centered methodology ensures the content remains relevant, engaging, and directly applicable to the lives of young Australians.
Researchers Also Recognized for STEM Inclusion
In addition to the OurFutures program’s success, Dr. Rina Wong, a Research Fellow in ’s Faculty of Health Sciences, was a finalist for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion. Her initiative, Engaging Children/Community In Science (ECIS), has been instrumental in fostering a broader engagement with science across diverse demographics. ECIS has reached over 15,000 individuals through 268 workshops, catering to a wide age range from toddlers to seniors. The program particularly focuses on engaging people with disabilities and those from varied cultural backgrounds, utilizing creative methods like animation, songs, and theatre to promote the message that science is accessible to everyone.
Professor Hayne further commented on the significance of these recognitions: “This year’s awards celebrate research that does more than advance knowledge – it creates meaningful change in people’s lives. ’s acknowledgement is a testament to translating research into practical solutions that can make a difference in communities.” The dual recognition highlights University’s commitment to research that not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge but also delivers tangible benefits to society.
The Future of Youth Vaping Prevention
The OurFutures Vaping Program stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing effort to protect young people from the harms of vaping. Its success underscores the power of collaborative, evidence-based interventions that are designed with the end-users in mind. As the program continues to expand its reach, it promises to safeguard the health and well-being of countless more young Australians, offering a vital shield against the rising tide of adolescent vaping.
