ClosedBusiness2026

The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize

Australian Government · Australia

A national prize recognising Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led projects that benefit Indigenous peoples, communities or place and help solve significant challenges through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. The recipient receives $250,000 plus a medallion, lapel pin and award certificate.

Funding

$250K – $250K

Closed

18 Dec 2025

Location

Australia

Who Can Apply

Nominees must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Eligible nomination types are individual, team or community group. The project must be Indigenous-led and use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems to benefit Indigenous peoples, communities or place. Self-nominations and nominations by close family members are not permitted.
Nominees must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and must be part of an Indigenous-led project that benefits Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place. Eligible nomination types are individual, team and community group. The project must contribute to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, demonstrate sincere connection and respectful engagement with community and Australian Indigenous peoples, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. Nominees do not need formal qualifications, professional association membership or prior awards. The prize is not intended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers who are not using Australian Indigenous knowledge systems in their work. A nominator must know the project, be familiar with it, and have the nominee's permission. Self-nomination is not allowed, and close family members such as a parent, spouse, child or sibling cannot nominate.

What's Funded

Recognition of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led project that practises and preserves Indigenous knowledge systems, demonstrates respectful community engagement and cultural governance, and contributes to solving a significant challenge affecting Indigenous peoples, communities or place.

Expected Outcomes

Awarded projects are expected to demonstrate benefit to Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place, elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, and show strong cultural authority, respectful engagement and significant impact.

Key Information

Applicant Types

individualother

Stage

any

Funding Purposes

researchcommunityother

Keywords

Prime Minister's Prizes for ScienceAboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderIndigenous knowledge systemsscience prizecommunity benefitcultural governanceIndigenous-led projectsawards

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize?

The The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize is a business grant offered by Australian Government in Australia, providing $250K – $250K in funding. A national prize recognising Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led projects that benefit Indigenous peoples, communities or place and help solve significant challenges through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. The recipient receives $250,000 plus a medallion, lapel pin and award certificate.
2

How much funding does the The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize provide?

The The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize provides $250K – $250K in funding.
3

Who is eligible for the The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize?

Nominees must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Eligible nomination types are individual, team or community group. The project must be Indigenous-led and use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems to benefit Indigenous peoples, communities or place. Self-nominations and nominations by close family members are not permitted.
4

When does the The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize close?

Applications closed on 18 Dec 2025.
5

What activities are funded?

Recognition of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led project that practises and preserves Indigenous knowledge systems, demonstrates respectful community engagement and cultural governance, and contributes to solving a significant challenge affecting Indigenous peoples, communities or place.
6

How do I apply for the The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize?

Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.

Need help applying?

Beta Docs has helped founders secure $160M+ in competitive grants. Our AI platform drafts compliance-perfect applications — and our expert reviewers make sure you stand out.