About the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
- The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and respected awards recognising excellence in science.
- These awards celebrate outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, and excellence in science teaching.
- The 2026 Prizes include:
- Five Science Prizes, including two for innovation, recognising individuals at different career stages across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- One Knowledge Systems Prize, honouring the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.
- Two Science Teaching Prizes, celebrating exceptional primary and secondary school teachers who inspire students to engage with STEM.
- Each recipient receives a medallion, national recognition, prize money of A$50,000 or A$250,000, and access to new opportunities and professional networks.
- Nominating someone is a powerful way to recognise their achievements and encourage them to continue making an impact in their field.
If you know someone making a real difference through their passion for science, innovation, or education, now is the time to put their name forward. A nomination can be a powerful way to recognise their dedication and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. By taking a few moments to nominate, you help celebrate the people whose work is shaping Australia’s future and encourage a culture that values curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Don’t wait—acknowledge excellence and help remarkable individuals gain the recognition they truly deserve.
Descriptions of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
Science Prizes
Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
Awarded for a significant advancement of knowledge through science. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to four individuals to recognise a collaborative effort. Awards A$250,000.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation
Awarded for the innovative translation of scientific knowledge into a commercially available product, service or process that has demonstrated substantial economic, social, and where relevant, environmental benefits. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to four individuals to recognise a collaborative effort. Awards A$250,000.
Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
Awarded to an individual for an exceptional achievement in life science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society. This prize is awarded for achievements made within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards A$50,000.
Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
Awarded to an individual for an exceptional achievement in physical science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society. This prize is awarded for achievements made within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards A$50,000.
Prize for New Innovators
Awarded to an individual for an early achievement towards commercialising or translating their scientific research with economic, social, and where relevant, environmental benefits. This prize is awarded for achievements made within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards A$50,000.
Knowledge Systems Prize
Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems
Awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led project that benefits Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place, and contributes to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. This prize can be awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual, a team or representatives of a community group. Awards A$250,000.
Science Teaching Prizes
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
Awarded for excellence in primary school teaching in any area of science that is part of the teacher’s state or territory science, technology, engineering or mathematics syllabus. Awards A$250,000.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools
Awarded for excellence in secondary school teaching in any area of science that is part of the teacher’s state or territory science, technology, engineering or mathematics syllabus. Awards A$250,000.
