About the prize 2026

This Prize is for a transformative scientific advance with significant and demonstrable economic, health, social, or environmental benefits in New Zealand or internationally.

 

Value

  • · $500,000 comprising:
    • $100,000 as unrestricted award
    • $400,000 for ongoing research or development.

Eligibility

  • The individual or a representative of the research team must be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.
  • Most of the research under consideration must have taken place in New Zealand.

 

Criteria

Our panel of experts will assess the evidence that a transformative scientific discovery or achievement by this individual or research team has led to significant and demonstrable economic, health, social, or environmental benefits in New Zealand or internationally:

  • successful development and deployment of new or improved research methods, products, processes, or services (including public services)
  • major changes to practice in an important professional community or an industrial, business, infrastructural, or service sector, at least at a national level.
  • major changes in relevant public policy or government investment or operational strategy (for example, in health, social policy, environmental protection, conservation, or emergency management.
  • significant advances in the development of application of knowledge systems, including Mātauranga Māori, that have strengthened research, enabled effective translation, or improved the effectiveness of science, innovation, and technology
  • significant and sustained capital investment by industry, technology-transfer partners, or end-users, licensing of intellectual property, and/or formation of spin-out or start-up companies
  • a high level of recognition through peer-review processes, for example through international awards or publications in leading journals.

Applications must include statements from at least three internationally credible referees and a proposal for investment of the Prize money for ongoing teaching.

 

Expert Panel Members

(to be confirmed)

 

Potential conflicts of interest

The Society will consult with the Chair of the Panel to manage and avoid any potential conflicts appropriately (eg, by recommending that a particular expert does not score or discuss a specific candidate). In the case of a potential conflict of interest with the Chair, the Chief Executive of the Society will manage the decision.

All applicants, referees, and their supporters must agree not to contact any of our Panel Members during the assessment process – and vice versa.

 

Confidentiality

The Society will not publish or disclose any information on ranking, shortlisted applicants, or the names of unsuccessful entrants.

 

Final announcement of winners

The Society will advise the relevant Minister of the recommendation from the Expert Panel, and will contact the winner confidentially in advance of the public announcement and prizegiving ceremony.

 

See How to apply for this prize

 

 

Need help?  Have other questions?  

The Secretariat for The Prime Minister’s Space Prizes is the Royal Society Te Apārangi.  

For any questions, contact us at:  

PO Box 598 
Wellington 
(04) 470 5762 
pmspaceprizes@royalsociety.org.nz.  

 

Supported by the New Zealand Government with funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.  Nā Te Hīkina Whakatutuki te mana hāpai.