Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel has reminded the Australian science community to get cracking on nominations for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, with entries closing in less than three weeks.

You can read the media release below, or download it as a PDF.

NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON FOR SCIENCE PRIZES

6 March 2018

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel has reminded the Australian science community to get cracking on nominations for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, with entries closing in less than three weeks.

Now in their 19th year, Dr Finkel said the prestigious Prizes celebrate the achievements of Australian scientists, teachers and innovators across the country.

“Over the years, the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have showcased many successes made possible by a diverse scientific workforce. The 2017 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science recipient Professor Jenny Graves is an outstanding example, leading the world with her pioneering research into mammalian sex chromosomes,” Dr Finkel said.

“Australian scientists excel in every field, and come from a huge variety of backgrounds. I encourage everyone in the science community to nominate someone exceptional for these awards, and recognise the tremendous breadth of our science and innovation workforce.”

The prizes open for nominations are:

• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation
• The Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
• The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
• The Prize for New Innovators
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
• The Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

Dr Finkel said training a diverse workforce started with making science, technology, engineering and maths subjects accessible and approachable for every student.

“The key factor in student engagement is often an incredible teacher. I’m delighted that teachers of mathematics and technology are now eligible to be nominated for their fantastic work alongside their science colleagues,” he said.

Nominations for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science close at 5PM AEST, Monday 26 March, with each award including prize money ranging from $50,000 up to $250,000. For further details or to nominate, go to business.gov.au/scienceprizes.