- Applications are now open for the Premier's Science Awards, celebrating 25 years of scientific excellence in WA
- Scientists, educators, students, and community members are encouraged to apply or nominate, with 10 award categories and a $140,000 prize pool
- The 2026 winners and Hall of Fame inductees will be announced later this year
Applications are now open for the Premier's Science Awards (PSA), as are nominations for the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame.
Now in its 25th year, the awards celebrate excellence in Western Australian science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The awards feature 10 categories with a total prize pool of $140,000, including $50,000 for the Scientist of the Year and $10,000 for each of the remaining nine categories, plus the People's Choice Award.
Scientists, researchers, lecturers, teachers, tertiary STEM students, and those delivering STEM engagement initiatives or government-led research projects are encouraged to apply.
Community members are also invited to nominate exceptional scientific leaders for the WA Science Hall of Fame.
Award recipients and finalists play a vital role in inspiring young Western Australians to pursue STEM pathways that support the State's future workforce needs. Scientific research and engagement remain central to Western Australia's efforts to diversify its economy, strengthen innovation, and address evolving global challenges.
In 2025, the awards recognised 38 finalists and 13 winners across fields such as engineering, radio astronomy, food science, plant biology, Indigenous health, data science, and technology.
Applications and nominations close at 4pm AWST, Monday, 11 May 2026. Winners and the 2026 Hall of Fame inductee will be announced later this year.
The 2026 Premier's Science Awards are proudly supported by:
- Gold Sponsors: Shell Australia, Woodside Energy
- Silver Sponsor: DUG
- Bronze Sponsors: BioCina, CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, Orthocell
- University Sponsors: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia
- Sector Sponsor: The Kids Research Institute Australia
- Community Partner: Scitech
- Media Partner: The West Australian
For more information and to apply, see:
www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/premiers-science-awards
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"For more than two decades, the Premier's Science Awards have recognised the extraordinary researchers and educators whose work strengthens our economy, protects our environment, and improves the lives of Western Australians.
"Supporting these outstanding individuals is key to my government's priority of diversifying the State's economy so it can remain strong well into the future.
"I encourage WA's brightest minds to apply for an award or nominate for the WA Science Hall of Fame."
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"WA is home to world-leading researchers and educators who continue to make breakthroughs across fields ranging from medical research and engineering to astronomy, biodiversity, and technology.
"The Premier's Science Awards and the WA Science Hall of Fame have been celebrating the leaders who are advancing knowledge for 25 years, driving new technologies and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
"I strongly encourage individuals, teams, community organisations and industry partners to put forward an application or nomination for the 2026 program."
Category |
Prize |
Outline |
Scientist of the Year |
$50,000 |
Awarded to a world-class scientist who has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research, or technological advancement, and has been active in the field particularly in the past ten years. |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year |
$10,000 |
Awarded to an individual Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scientist or researcher who demonstrates excellence in a field of science, scientific research, or technological advancement. |
Mid-Career Scientist of the Year |
$10,000 |
Awarded to an outstanding scientist who has completed their highest degree between five and fifteen years ago, and has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research, or technological advancement. |
Early Career Scientist of the Year |
$10,000 |
Awarded to an outstanding scientist who has completed their highest degree in the past five years and demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research, or technological advancement. |
Student Scientist of the Year |
$10,000 |
Awarded to an outstanding postgraduate student who has demonstrated a commitment to science at an early stage and shows great promise in reaching the highest levels of excellence. |
Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year |
$10,000 |
Recognises an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate or postgraduate student who demonstrates excellence in STEM studies. |
STEM Educator of the Year - Schools (Primary or Secondary) |
$10,000 |
Awarded to a teacher or educator who demonstrates excellence teaching in a field of STEM in schools (primary, secondary, and/or vocational education), and who has made outstanding contributions to enhancing student engagement in science and/or STEM. |
STEM Educator of the Year - Tertiary (University or Registered Training Organisation) |
$10,000 |
Awarded to a university or registered training organisation lecturer or educator who demonstrates excellence teaching in a field of STEM and who has made outstanding contributions to enhancing student engagement in science and/or STEM. |
Science Engagement Initiative of the Year |
$10,000 |
Recognises an initiative that has made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest, and/or participation in science in Western Australia. |
Government Science Project of the Year |
$10,000 |
The Government Science Project of the Year category will recognise an outstanding scientific research project being conducted within the Western Australian government sector. |
