The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Prizes

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded awards for demonstrated 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 Systems Prize. 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. Where the prize is awarded to a team, each member will receive a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and an equal portion of the prize money.