Prime Minister's Prizes for Science awarded soon

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.

This year’s awards will be given at a ceremony on October 16. They are very generous, the teaching segment offers cash prizes of $50,000, which isn’t nothing.

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.

A prize nomination must be proposed by someone (a nominator) with knowledge of the nominee’s achievements and endorsed by two supporters. Nominators for the Science Prizes must also provide three independent referees.

About the prizes

Prizes for science, mathematics or technology teaching:

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

Prime Minister’s 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)

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.