One of Australia's major science prizes has been won by The University of Tasmania's devil research team.

There was a ceremony held at Sydney where $10,000 Sherman Eureka prize for environmental research was given to the scientists trying to save the marsupial from extinction.

Dr Menna Jones from the School of Zoology leads this team along with Associate Professor Greg Woods from the Menzies Research Institute.

In the mid 1990s, in north-east devils, the facial tumour disease emerged and Dr Jones has dedicated herself to this research.

There will be better chances of hearing the condition of the devil with this award winning.

The disease is being fought on three main fronts by the Devils' Advocates team, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program and other institutions and groups.

Genetic factors that make this disease happen are being studied and also a vaccine is being investigated. Apart from this, insurance populations of disease-free adult devil have been established as well.

The timing of this award winning is very relevant, according to Environment Minister Brian Wightman.

It was added, “The awarding of this prize is a timely reminder on Threatened Species Day that we need to work together and expend all our efforts to help to help save this iconic Tasmanian species.”