The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science - Science Teaching Prize
Prizes for Australian science educators
Last Updated: 02 February 2021
If you are a new applicant or existing grantee and have been impacted by COVID-19 or a natural disaster, please contact your Customer Service Manager or one of the agents at our Contact Centre to discuss your circumstances and how we can assist you.
You can find more information and support on our Emergency management page.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science - Science Teaching Prize
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Teaching Prizes award educators with prizes for excellence in science, technology or mathematics teaching. There are 2 Science Teaching Prizes.
What do you get?
Winners get $50,000 prize money, a medallion, lapel pin and an award certificate.
Who is this for?
Registered primary or secondary school teachers in science, mathematics or technology.
Overview
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded awards for outstanding achievements in:
- scientific research
- research-based innovation
- excellence in science teaching
The prizes will award up to $750,000 in total each year. Information on the prizes for scientists and innovators is on our Science Prizes page.
The Science Teaching Prizes recognise Australian science educators for excellence in science teaching. We welcome nominations of diverse candidates and those from a range of backgrounds and geographical regions.
There are 2 science teaching prizes:
- 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)
Eligibility
To be eligible for a science teaching prize a nominee must:
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
- have completed their teaching achievement (that they’re being nominated for) in Australia
- not self-nominate
- be a full-time or part-time teacher at a primary or secondary school listed on the Australian Schools List
- be active in teaching science, mathematics or technology in the classroom at the time of their nomination
Nominees do not need to be a member of a professional association or have received any prior award to be eligible.
Check the full eligibility criteria for each prize in section 4 of the Grant opportunity guidelines – science teaching prizes.
Applying
How do you nominate someone?
A prize nomination must be proposed by someone (a nominator) with knowledge of the nominee’s achievements and endorsed by two supporters.
The nomination process involves two stages.
Stage 1: the nominator provides a summary of the nominee’s achievement against the assessment criteria for the prize.
Preparing a stage 1 nomination is easy!
-
Make sure your nominee is willing to be nominated.
-
Ask them for a copy of their CV (two page maximum).
-
Prepare a summary of their achievement addressing the assessment criteria (750 words).
-
Identify two supporters.
Complete the online form and submit between 2 February to 9 March 2021 5pm AEDT.
You should read the grant opportunity guidelines before you make a nomination.
Stage 2: if a nominee has been shortlisted we invite the nominator and two supporters to prepare a more detailed submission addressing the relevant assessment criteria.
Apply for The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Teaching Prizes
Before you apply, make sure you:
- understand the nomination process
- read the grant opportunity guidelines
- are ready to complete the online nomination form
Open all
button toggle all accordionsHow do we assess your nomination?
What are the assessment criteria?
What happens next?
Need help?
-
Contact us for help with your application or to find out more.
-
Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm across Australia
Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme
The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science is part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme. This aims to:
- engage the wider Australian community with the sciences, including through major activities and events like National Science Week
- support public recognition, national awareness and pride in our best scientists and innovators
- effectively communicate key science issues, between scientists, the general public and Australian decision makers in business and government
- build skills and capability in STEM and digital literacy, in Australian schools and communities
Key documents
Grant opportunity guidelines - Science Teaching Prizes 2021
Stage 1 – Achievement summary template
Nomination toolkit
Our nomination toolkit includes web graphics, flyers, email banners and signatures for you to promote nominations for the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science and raise awareness in your community.
