Prizes for Australian science educators

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)

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.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Teaching Prizes is currently closed for nominations.

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.