Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Australia’s most prestigious awards for celebrating achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.

About the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

The prizes acknowledge:

  • scientists and innovators across diverse disciplines and career stages
  • primary and secondary school educators who inspire students to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Recipients share $750,000 in prize money and have the opportunity to showcase important work in their field.

They also receive a medallion designed by Internationally renowned artist Wojciech Pietranik and made by the Royal Australian Mint. Plus a lapel pin and award certificate recognising their achievements.

The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

Key dates

  • Nominations open

    21 November 2023

  • Nominations close

    8 February 2024

  • Recipients announced

    At an awards ceremony later in 2024

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2022

Learn more about the 2022 prize recipients

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.

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.

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 2015 to 2019

Find past recipients on the Australian Government's website archive.

Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2000 to 2014

Find past recipients on the Australian Government's website archive.

Prize categories

There are 7 prize categories.

Science prizes

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science

For significant advancement of knowledge through science. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals. Awards $250,000.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation

For translating scientific knowledge into a commercially available product, service or process with economic, social or environmental benefits. This prize can be awarded to an individual or a team of up to 4 individuals. Awards $250,000.

Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year

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.

Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year

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.

Prize for New Innovators

For an early achievement towards partially or fully commercialising or translating scientific research with economic, social, or environmental benefits. Recognises achievements within 10 years (full time or full time equivalent) of completing relevant studies. Awards $50,000.

Science teaching prizes

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools

For excellence in primary school teaching in any area of science that is part of the teacher’s state or territory science, mathematics or technology syllabus. Awards $50,000.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

Excellence in secondary school teaching in any area of science that is part of the teacher’s state or territory science, mathematics or technology syllabus. Awards $50,000.

Latest news

Professor Yuerui (Larry) Lu 2023 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year recipient

Next steps for 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science nominations

Did you nominate someone for the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science? Nominations are now closed - here’s what happens next.
Professor Emerita Julie Owens from Deakin University

Learn why Professor Julie Owens nominates inspiring achievers for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Nominate an individual or team to show how much you value their contribution to the science community. Nominations are open until 8 February 2024.

Was this page helpful?

Was this page useful?
Yes
No
Neither

Thank you for your feedback!

Would you like to tell us more about your experiences with this page? (optional)

Feedback you provide will not be directly answered. If you require a reply, please reach out to the page contact directly. For any other queries, please use our general enquiries web form.

Please do not include personal or financial information (e.g. email addresses, phone numbers or credit card details).

Your feedback is covered by our privacy policy.