The prize will highlight the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in solving the most pressing challenges facing our nation and humanity.
It will also recognise the unique knowledge, perspectives and skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The new prize was announced ahead of the 25th Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, at Parliament House on Tuesday 8 October 2024. During the proceedings, the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister of Industry and Science, honoured the 65,000 years of unbroken and continued knowledge and skills that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to Australia. He invited Professor Reuben Bolt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership, Charles Darwin University, to share his insights about how the unique and nuanced understanding of Indigenous knowledges benefit humanity.
The prize will be added to the existing prizes, resulting in a total of 8 categories. The inaugural honour, which includes a $250,000 prize, will be awarded in 2025.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.