Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science are an annual Australian award for outstanding achievements in science and science teaching. The prizes have been awarded since 2000, when they replaced the Australia Prize for science. The major award is the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, it is regarded as the national award for scientific achievement,[1] the Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year (previously known as the Science Minister's Prize for Science[2]) and the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year were also created in 2000. Prizes for teaching at primary and secondary schools were added in 2002.

Awards

Prime Minister's Prize for Science

The recipient of this prize can be an individual or up to four people that have worked as a team in any scientific field. The recipient receives $300,000, a medal and lapel pin and serves on the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council for a year.

Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year

This award is for early to mid-career scientists, not more than ten years past the award of their highest degree (e.g. Master’s or PhD), working in the life sciences. The recipient receives $50,000, a medal and a lapel pin.[3]

Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year

This award is for early to mid-career scientists, not more than ten years past the award of their highest degree (e.g. Master’s or PhD), working in the physical sciences. The recipient receives $50,000, a medal and a lapel pin.[4]

Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools

This prize is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to teaching science at a primary school level. The recipient is awards $50,000,a medal and lapel pin.

Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

This prize is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to teaching science at a secondary school level. The recipient is awards $50,000, a medal and lapel pin.

History of the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

The Australia Prize was the predecessor award to the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science and was awarded annually from 1990 to 1999 (although no award was made in 1991). It was an international award, aimed at a worldwide audience for an outstanding specific achievement in a selected area of science and technology promoting human welfare. It achieved widespread recognition by individuals and organisations throughout the world, receiving nominations from 18 countries.

The Government awarded the Australia Prize to both Australian and international scientists. Of the 28 recipients, 18 were Australian, demonstrating Australia's strong international standing in many scientific fields.

The Australia Prize was replaced in 2000 by the current set of prizes.[5]

Australia Prize recipients

References

  1. ↑ Department of Industry
  2. ↑ Department of Industry
  3. ↑ Department of Industry 'About the Prizes'
  4. ↑ Department of Industry 'About the Prizes'
  5. ↑ Australia Prize 1990-1999, Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

External links