The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science acknowledge:
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scientists and innovators across diverse disciplines and career stages
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primary and secondary school teachers who inspire students to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
About the prizes
Key dates
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Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 science and science teaching prizes closed on 17 December 2024.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems prize
Nominations will open in early 2025 for this new prize.
Latest news
Meet the 2024 recipients
Celebrating 25 years
Prize categories
There are 7 prize categories.
Science prizes
Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
For a significant advancement of knowledge through science. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals. Awards $250,000.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation
For the innovative translation of scientific knowledge into a commercially available product, service or process with economic, social or environmental benefits. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals. Awards $250,000.
Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
For an exceptional achievement in life science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society by early to mid-career scientists. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
For an exceptional achievement in physical science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society by early to mid-career scientists. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
Prize for New Innovators
For an early achievement towards partially or fully commercialising or translating scientific research with economic, social, or environmental benefits. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
Science teaching prizes
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
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 $250,000.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools
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 $250,000.