Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

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 in their field.

The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2023

Nominations are made by peers in the science, innovation and teaching communities. By nominating someone for a prize, you acknowledge their outstanding work and contribution to science.

Prizes for science

  • 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)

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 Prize, Malcolm McIntosh Prize and Prize for New Innovators are awarded for achievements made within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies.

Each prize recipient receives a medallion, lapel pin, prize money and an award certificate recognising their outstanding achievements. The medallions were designed by internationally renowned artist Wojciech Pietranik and produced by the Royal Australian Mint.

Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2022

The 2022 prize recipients were announced by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Industry and Science on Monday 21 November 2022.

Read about the event highlights or watch the event highlights video below. 

The Hon Anthony Albanese: Tonight we celebrate remarkable individuals drawn from all across Australia. 

Australia is home to some of the world's leading scientists.

We make breakthroughs and discoveries that are the envy of the world.

The winners tonightit's not just about giving due recognition.

It's also about inspiring.

The extraordinary range of scientific achievement is testament to talent, courage, determination,and the curiosity that lights the fuse.

Rae Johnston: This year's recipients are a testament to the incredible work undertaken by our nation's scientists.

I am sure that they will continue to be at the forefront as we map a path for the future and inspire the next generation.

George Pantazis: Thank you.

The Hon Ed Husic: We are all here because we believe in the value and the power of Australian ideas to improve not only the well-being of our nation but to make a global impact.

Past recipients

Nov 2021 Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2021

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science recognise the contributions our scientists, innovators and science teachers make to Australia's scientific and commercialisation capabilities.
Oct 2020 Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2020

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science recognise the contributions our scientists, innovators and science teachers make to Australia's scientific and commercialisation capabilities. See PM Prizes awarded in 2020.
PM’s Prizes for Science

Prime Minister's Prizes for Science honour roll

Find past recipients of Australia's most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research and research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.
Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2023

Closing soon: nominations for the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

There is one month left to nominate a scientist, innovator or science, mathematics, or technology teacher for their inspiring achievements in your community.
Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2023

Nominate now for the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Help us uncover outstanding achievers in the community by nominating them for one of the 2023 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science.
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The 2022 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have been announced!

The Australian science and science teaching community have come together in Canberra to celebrate the contributions of the country’s leading scientists, innovators and science teachers.…