The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded science awards.
The prizes acknowledge:
scientists and innovators across diverse disciplines and career stages
contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems to science, our nation and humanity
primary and secondary school teachers who inspire students to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
We’ll announce 2025 prize recipients on 3 November.
Prize guidelines available 8 October, nominations open 22 October and close 18 December 2025.
Recipients announced in late 2026.
We'll be publishing details of the prize announcements live on our website and social media channels on the evening of 3 November.
Follow us on Facebook stories, LinkedIn and X, as well as the hashtag #PMPrizes. This year we’re also publishing a live blog on our website at industry.gov.au/PMPrizes.
Who will you nominate that inspires you?
Read the 2026 guidelines on business.gov.au:
We encourage nominations of candidates from diverse backgrounds. This includes personal and cultural backgrounds, disciplines, career stages and geographic regions.
Nominations will open on 22 October and close on 18 December 2025.
There are 8 prize categories.
For a significant advancement of knowledge through science. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals to recognise a collaborative effort. Awards $250,000.
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 4 individuals to recognise a collaborative effort. Awards $250,000.
For an exceptional achievement in life science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
For an exceptional achievement in physical science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
For an early achievement towards commercialising or translating scientific research with economic, social, and where relevant, environmental benefits. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full-time or full-time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.
For 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 $250,000.
For excellence in primary school teaching in any area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The area must be part of the teacher’s state or territory science, technology, engineering or mathematics syllabus. Awards $250,000.
Excellence in secondary school teaching in any area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The area must be a part of the teacher’s state or territory science, technology, engineering or mathematics syllabus. Awards $250,000.
