Prizes for Australian scientists and innovators

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Prizes award Australian scientists and innovators with prizes to recognise demonstrated achievements in science and research-based innovation and commercialisation.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded awards for demonstrated achievements in:

• scientific research
• research-based innovation
• excellence in science teaching

The prizes will award up to $1.15 million each year for demonstrated achievements. Information on the prizes for science teaching is on our Science Teaching Prizes page.

The Science Prizes recognise the achievements and success of Australian scientists and innovators, and benefits to both Australia and the rest of the world.

We welcome nominations of diverse candidates and those from a different range of backgrounds and geographical regions.

There are 5 science prizes for science and innovation:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($250,000)
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation ($250,000)
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000)
• Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000)
• Prize for New Innovators ($50,000)

Each prize recipient receives a medallion, lapel pin, prize money as described above and an award certificate.

The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science is part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program. This aims to:

• increase Australian community engagement with the sciences, through activities and events
• increase positive public sentiment and awareness of the contribution and achievements of Australian scientists and innovators
• improve communication between Australian scientists, the general public, businesses and government
• enhance focus on building skills and capability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and digital literacy, in Australian schools and communities
• increase engagement and participation in groups under-represented in STEM.