Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

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.

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.

Nominations open 6 February and close 12 March 2020

We encourage nominations of eligible scientists, innovators and teachers, including from under-represented groups such as women and Indigenous Australians.

• View the eligibility and nomination guidelines for science prizes and teaching prizes on business.gov.au
• Read how we ensure fairness and diversity in our selection process
• Hear members of the scientific community talk about why the prizes are important
• Promote the prizes with our nomination toolkit

Prize recipients

The PM’s Prizes have been awarded annually since 2000.

• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2019
• Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2015 to 2018

Honour roll

See all prize recipients on the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science honour roll.

View recipient citations from 2000 to 2014 on the National Library of Australia’s Trove archive.

About the prizes

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)

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, Malcom McIntosh and New Innovators prizes reward 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 receives prize money, a medallion with a lapel pin and an award certificate. Internationally renowned artist, Wojciech Pietranik from the Royal Australian Mint, designed the medallions.

Privacy Collection Statement

View the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science Privacy Collection Statement.