The Government of New Zealand introduced The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes in 2009 as a way of raising the profile and prestige of science among New Zealanders.
There are five prizes in total with a combined value of 1 million dollars.
The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes are awarded to:
- An individual or team who has made an transformative discovery or achievement in science that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally:
The Prime Minister’s Science Prize - An outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD:
The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize - A science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science:
The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize - A secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative research or technology project:
The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize - A practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to provide them with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and capability in science media communication:
The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize
The 2012 Prime Minister’s Science prize round opens on May 1st, 2012.