Prizes for Australian scientists and innovators
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Prizes award Australian scientists and innovators with prizes recognising demonstrated achievements in scientific research and research-based innovation and commercialisation.
There are five Science Prizes with prize money ranging between $50,000 and $250,000; winners also receive a medallion, lapel pin and an award certificate.
Where a prize is awarded to a team, each member receives a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and an equal portion of the prize money.
To be eligible for a Science Prize, a nominee must:
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia (nominees currently living or studying overseas are not precluded from being nominated)
- not be self-nominated
- not be nominated in more than one prize category (where a nominee is nominated in more than one category, the department will ask the nominee to select a single nomination to pursue)
- meet the specific eligibility criteria for the nominated prize
Nominees do not need to be a member of a professional association or have received any prior award to be eligible.
Get a personalised eligibility check — your match score, which criteria you meet, and what to watch out for.
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Last updated: 12 February 2026