About the prize 2026

This Prize is to recognise excellent research by an early-career scientist who has made a significant contribution to their field, and support their potential to generate economic, health, social, or environmental benefits for New Zealand.

Science is defined broadly – to include the systematic creation of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis within the fields of natural, physical, mathematical, information, applied, engineering, technological, health and social sciences, as well as multidisciplinary research.

 

Value

  • $200,000 comprising
    • $50,000 as an unrestricted award and
    • $150,000 for their ongoing research.

 

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a resident, permanent resident, or citizen of New Zealand, currently domiciled in New Zealand.
  • The applicant must have received their PhD within the past 6 years (excluding career breaks such as parental leave as determined by the Society).
  • Most of the research for consideration must have taken place in New Zealand.
  • The winner is expected to remain active in research in New Zealand for at least the first year after receiving the Prize.

 

 Criteria

Our expert judges will assess candidates by reviewing a range of evidence for:

  • outstanding scholarship and excellence in the scientific field
  • research that is leading-edge in that it has generated or has the potential to generate valuable new knowledge within the academic discipline
  • potential to become a future research leader
  • clear and effective communication of research

 

Applications must include statements from at least two internationally credible referees and a plan for investing the Prize money in ongoing research if successful.

 

Potential conflicts of interest

The Society will consult with the Chair of the Panel to manage and avoid any potential conflicts of interest 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 panel of experts will interview a shortlist of applicants for the Prize, based on initial scores, but the Society will not publish or disclose the applications, or any information on ranking, shortlisted applicants, or unsuccessful entrants. Experts on the panel will also maintain confidentiality about the applications, and their assessments and recommendations.

 

Decision-Making

After reviewing the applications and completing the online interviews, the panel of experts will discuss and agree on a recommendation for the relevant Minister. The Society will advise the Minister of this recommendation, along with information on the ranking of shortlisted applicants.

 

Announcement of winners

The Society will contact the winner confidentially about the Minister’s decision in advance of the public announcement and prizegiving ceremony.

How to apply

See how to apply for the Emerging Scientist Prize Te Puaki Kaiputaiao Maea

 

Need help? Have other questions?

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

For any questions, contact us at:

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

 

Supported by the New Zealand Government with funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.