The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded awards for achievements in: scientific research and research-based innovation the practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems excellence in science teaching. The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science will award up to $1.4 million each year for achievements across 3 prize categories: the Science Prizes the Science Teaching Prizes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systerms Prize. The Knowledge Systems Prize celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects that benefit Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place, and contribute to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. We welcome nominations of diverse candidates and those from a different range of backgrounds and geographical regions. There are 3 nomination types available for this prize: Individual; Team; and Community Groups. The prize recipient receives a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and prize money. Where we award the prize to a team, each member will receive a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and an equal portion of the prize money. Where we award the prize to a community group (up to 4 representatives), the group will receive a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and the prize money will be awarded to the community group. We may recognise highly ranked nominees through the awarding of highly commended certificates.