Countdown for Prime Minister’s Science Prize entries

 The 2017 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes—New Zealand’s most valuable science awards, close on 20 September.

The prizes provide an opportunity for the country’s established and emerging scientists, science teachers and science communicators to share prize money of $1 million, covering five categories.

The prizes help raise the profile and prestige of science and recognise the contribution science makes to New Zealand’s economy.

The Prime Minister’s Science Prize categories are:

The Prime Minister’s Science Prize, $500,000

This will be awarded to an individual or team for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact in the last five years on New Zealand or internationally.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, $200,000

This will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or equivalent qualification conferred, within the past eight years (i.e. from 1 January 2009 onwards).

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize, $150,000

This will be awarded to a registered teacher who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school.

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize, $100,000

This will be awarded to a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of, complex scientific or technological information to the public.

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize, $50,000 tertiary scholarship

This will be awarded to a Year 12 or Year 13 student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science, mathematics, technology or engineering project.

To find out more and to lodge nominations visit:
www.pmscienceprizes.org.nz

The Prizes will be presented in early 2018.

For further information, contact:   

Debbie Woodhall
The Prime Minister’s Prizes Secretariat
Royal Society Te Apārangi
Tel 04 470 5762

Email: debbie.woodhall@royalsociety.org.nz