Nominations are open.
Closing date: Thursday 7 January 2027, 5:00pm AEDT.
About these prizes
These prizes recognise teachers who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) education.
There are 2 prizes for science teaching:
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($250,000)
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($250,000).
Each recipient receives prize money, a medallion, lapel pin and certificate.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are funded through the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program.
Check if you can nominate
You can nominate if you and the person you nominate meet the eligibility criteria.
Who can be nominated
To be eligible for a science teaching prize, nominees must:
- be a full-time or part-time registered teacher at a primary or secondary school on the Australian Schools List
- have at least 10 years’ experience as a classroom teacher in Australia
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
- be willing to be nominated, prepared to supply evidence and understand the obligations that come with the prize
- not be nominated for more than one prize in the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science per year (if this happens, the nominator must select a prize to pursue).
The nominee can teach in any area of science that is part of their state or territory science, technology, engineering or mathematics curriculum. They do not need to be a specialist in these subject matter areas.
Teachers on parental leave at the time of nomination who intend to return to teaching are eligible.
Nominees don’t need to be a member of a professional association or have received any previous award. Previous nominees are eligible for renomination.
We encourage nominations of candidates from diverse personal and cultural backgrounds, disciplines, career stages and geographic regions.
Who can nominate
Nominators for a science teaching prize must:
- be personally knowledgeable about the nominated achievement and be able to offer informed opinions on its significance
- not be a close family member of the nominee
- not be a supporter for the same nomination
- not nominate themself.
If the nominee is a principal, then a school executive or a counterpart in a school authority must be the nominator or the supporter.
A nominator can submit more than one nomination.
Who needs to support the nomination
A nomination must include 2 supporters to provide supporting views for the nomination achievement against the assessment criteria.
One supporter must be the principal or head of school at the current school of achievement, unless the nominator or nominee holds this position.
Nomination process
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Step 1
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Step 2
Submit your stage 1 nomination via the online portal.
You’ll need to address all eligibility and assessment criteria in the guidelines, provide details for yourself and the nominee, and confirm supporters are available. Work with the nominee to help shape a complete, accurate and compelling submission.
Include:
- your nominee’s CV in our 2-page template
- a statement addressing the assessment criteria (1,500 characters per criterion).
Find sample nomination forms and attachments at the bottom of this page. -
Step 3
An independent committee assesses your nomination against the assessment criteria and other nominations.
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Step 4
If your nomination is shortlisted, we invite you to proceed to stage 2.
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Step 5
Submit your stage 2 nomination via the online portal.
Work with the nominee to address all assessment criteria in more detail.
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Step 6
An independent committee assesses your nomination and recommends recipients. The minister makes the final decision.
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Step 7
We notify nominators and recipients of outcomes.
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Step 8
Recipients are announced at a presentation event and online.
Nominate now
If you’re confident you and your nominee are eligible, you can complete the stage 1 nomination form via our online portal.
Make sure you have:
- read the guidelines
- checked your nominee is willing to be nominated
- lined up your supporters.
Before starting your nomination, you’ll need to create or log into your portal account.
Need inspiration?
Be inspired by recent science teaching recipients.
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2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary SchoolsBeing the recipient of this prize is such an honour. It recognises the impact I’ve had across the Australian Capital Territory with the students and the teachers who trust me. -
2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary SchoolsI’m humbled to have received this prize. It’s great recognition for the science teaching that happens around Australia in regional and remote areas.
Need help nominating?
Contact us
Let us answer your question by phone, email or live chat. You can get support through our contact centre.
- Phone: 13 28 46
- Open hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm across Australia
- Website: Contact us
- Technical help: See our customer portal's frequently asked questions.