Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, and excellence in science teaching.

The prizes recognise achievements across diverse disciplines and career stages. Recipients share $750 000 in prize money, and have the opportunity to showcase important work undertaken in their field.

About the prizes

Prizes for research:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($250 000)
• Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50 000)
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50 000)

Prizes for innovation:

• Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation ($250 000)
• Prize for New Innovators ($50 000)

Prizes for science, mathematics or technology teaching:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50 000)
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50 000)

The Frank Fenner, Malcom McIntosh and New Innovators prizes are awarded for early-career achievements made within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. The New Innovators prize rewards steps towards translating research into a commercially available product.

Each recipient is awarded with prize money, a medallion with a lapel pin and an award certificate. The medallions are designed by internationally renowned artist, Wojciech Pietranik from the Royal Australian Mint.

Eligibility and nominations

We encourage nominations of eligible scientists, innovators and teachers, including from under-represented groups such as women and Indigenous Australians.

• View the eligibility and nomination requirements on business.gov.au
• Read how we are ensuring fairness and diversity in our selection process
• Watch members of the scientific community tell us why the prizes are important

Prize recipients

The prizes are awarded annually:

• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2018 recipient citations
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2017 recipient citations
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2016 recipient citations
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2015 recipient citations
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2014 recipient citations
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2013 recipient citations

Previous prize recipients

View previous prize recipients on Pandora: Australia’s Web Archive:

• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2012
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2011
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2010
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2009
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2008
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2007
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2006
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2005
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2004
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2003
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2002
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2001
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2000
• Australia Prizes 1990-1999

Acknowledgements

Thank you to our media partners Australia's Science Channel and Cosmos for their generous support.

Connect with us

Follow the conversation on Twitter @ScienceGovAu

Contact us

Email pmprize@industry.gov.au

See also

Australia’s National Science Statement sets a long-term approach to achieving a strong science system.