The PM’s Prizes for Science recognise the achievements and success of Australian scientists and innovators.
By nominating an inspiring scientist or research-based innovator for a prize, you are showing them how much you value their efforts and impact. Recipients of the science prizes are recognised for their contributions to Australia and the rest of the world.
There are 5 prizes for science and innovation:
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($250,000)
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation ($250,000)
- Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000)
- Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000)
- Prize for New Innovators ($50,000).
The Prime Minister’s Prize for Science and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals to recognise a collaborative effort. The other 3 prizes for science and innovation are awarded to an individual.
If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated, nominating them for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science acknowledges that their work is having an impact.
Nominating is the first step. No one can be recognised unless you nominate them.
How to nominate in 5 easy steps
You can nominate for the science and innovation prizes in 5 easy steps. You’ll need to provide:
- your name and contact details
- the name and contact details of the individual or team you are nominating
- an achievement summary addressing the assessment criteria (approximately 400-600 words)
- the names and contact details of 2 supporters and 2 independent referees
- your nominee’s up to date CV.
Strong applications include specific examples of how your nominee’s activities meet the assessment criteria.
Once you’ve gathered the information you need, it will take about an hour to complete the nomination form.
Who can nominate
Peers and colleagues across the science and innovation fields can nominate. You need to personally know about your nominee’s achievements and be able to offer informed opinions about the impact of their work.
As a nominator, you need to hold professional qualifications in the same or closely related field as your nominee. You cannot nominate someone if you are related to them.
Who can be nominated
Nominees for the science prizes must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, are willing to be nominated, and their work is in the following fields:
- agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
- biological sciences
- chemical sciences
- earth sciences
- engineering
- environmental sciences
- health sciences
- Indigenous studies, Group 4506 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sciences
- Indigenous studies, Group 4517 Pacific Peoples sciences
- information and computing sciences
- mathematical sciences
- physical sciences.
A nominee for the science prizes is someone who:
- has made a meaningful contribution to science or research-based innovation
- may be at an early career, mid-career or later career stage
- could be from academia, research or industry sectors
- can inspire all Australians to be engaged in STEM.