Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg

Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg received the 2024 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.

Nominating someone acknowledges their achievements and encourages them to continue to excel in their work.

There are 8 prize categories:

  • 5 science prizes, including 2 for innovation, that span diverse career stages and disciplines across science, technology, engineering and mathematics
  • 1 knowledge systems prize that recognises the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems
  • 2 science teaching prizes for primary and secondary school science teachers who inspire students to engage in STEM.

Recipients receive a medallion, prize money of $50,000 or $250,000, national recognition and exposure to new opportunities and networks.

Who can be nominated? 

People making a meaningful contribution to science, innovation, science teaching or the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. 

Nominees:

  • must be willing to be nominated
  • must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
  • can be at a variety of career stages, including early career, mid-career or late career
  • can be from academia or research sectors, industry sectors, Indigenous communities or education sectors.

Who can nominate? 

A nomination could change someone’s career, confidence or visibility. Nominate someone to spotlight their achievements, helping ensure their efforts are seen, valued and remembered. 

You must: 

  • be personally knowledgeable of the nominated achievement and be able to offer informed opinions about its significance
  • not be a close family member of the nominee.

Read the guidelines for the details on each prize. 

2026 nominations now open

Learn more about the nomination process 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 close 18 December 2025.