The prize is one of several 2002 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, Australia's premier national science awards. It is awarded to an individual, business or corporation for outstanding innovation in the conception, design, implementation or redevelopment phase of an engineering project.

Professor Amin won the award for the LNG Micro-Cell, developed in collaboration with Core Laboratories Australia. The LNG Micro-Cell technology enables the conversion of natural gas to liquid natural gas in small-scale production by means of an innovative transportable refrigeration system.

The technology has broad and significant benefits for industry, consumers and the environment. Because the LNG Micro-Cell can liquefy natural gas on-site, it will make the exploitation of small and remote gas fields economically viable.

The technology also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in oil and gas-producing areas of the world, both by increasing the use of natural gas as a cleaner alternative to other energy sources and by liquefying gas rather than flaring it off.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lance Twomey, said that strategic decisions taken by the University had created the environment that fostered the award-winning work.

"Some years ago Curtin moved to develop its research capability in oil and gas engineering, and to establish partnerships with relevant industry organisations," Professor Twomey said.

"These decisions, coupled, of course, with the expertise and dedication of Professor Amin, have led to the development of the LNG Micro-Cell, which has now been recognised by the Eureka Prize.

"I congratulate Professor Amin, and all those who work with him, on this important and highly prestigious award," said Twomey.