Nominations open for Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2018

Nominations for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have been officially opened by Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash.

According to Cash, the prizes celebrate the achievements and successes of Australian scientists, teachers and innovators in Australia and abroad, acknowledging the benefits and value of their work to the public good.

“These awards recognise the extraordinary contribution that Australia’s scientists and science teachers make to our nation, not only through their world-leading research but also as role models for young people considering careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics,” she said.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science award up to $750,000 in total each year. There are five prizes for science and innovation (referred to as the Science Prizes) and two prizes for science teaching (referred to as the Science Teaching Prizes):

• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Science is awarded for a significant advancement of knowledge through science. Prize money of $250,000 is awarded to the recipients.
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation is awarded for the innovative translation of scientific knowledge into a commercially available product, service or process that has had substantial economic, social and, where relevant, environmental benefits. Prize money of $250,000 is awarded to the recipients.
• The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year and Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year each recognise an exceptional achievement in science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society. Prize money of $50,000 is awarded to the recipients.
• The Prize for New Innovators recognises an exceptional early achievement towards the successful commercialisation of scientific research with substantial economic, social and, where relevant, environmental benefits. Prize money of $50,000 is awarded to the recipients.
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools sees prize money of $50,000 awarded to the recipient.
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools sees prize money of $50,000 awarded to the recipient.
   

The eligibility guidelines for the Excellence in Science Teaching awards have been broadened this year to include mathematics and technology teachers for the first time, as well as part-time teachers. Prize money will also be awarded in full to recipients of Science Teaching Prizes, who previously shared it with their school.

Assistant Minister for Jobs, Science and Innovation Zed Seselja said it is important to acknowledge the powers of inspiration that teachers can bring to their classrooms, noting, “Many people working in STEM fields acknowledge their science, maths or technology teachers as the reason for choosing their career paths.”

Last year’s winner of the $250,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, Professor Jenny Graves AO, was recognised for her pioneering research into mammalian genome organisation and evolution, which will help to progress understanding of X and Y chromosomes, our immune system and the human brain. She was the first individual woman to receive the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, thus serving as “an outstanding role model for all the young women looking to pursue education or a career in STEM”, according to Cash.

“These awards celebrate excellence and offer us an opportunity to bring the science, innovation and teaching community together to celebrate Australia’s scientific excellence,” Cash continued.

“We look forward to receiving many high-quality nominations this year.”

To nominate for the 2018 awards, visit www.business.gov.au/scienceprizes.

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