Kia ora

The Prime Minister’s Science prizes Secretariat welcomes applications from emerging scientists who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility

  • The Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist1 who has had their PhD conferred within the past eight (8) years.
  • The applicant must be either a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand permanent resident, currently domiciled in New Zealand
  • The recipient of the Prize is expected to remain active in research in New Zealand for at least the year following the presentation of the Prize

1Taken to include natural, physical, mathematical and information sciences, applied science, technology, engineering, social science and multi-disciplinary science

Value

  • $200,00 (GST zero rated); comprising $50,000 for the recipient with no conditions and $150,000 for their ongoing research.

 

Selection:

The Prize will be adjudicated on the following three selection criteria.

  • The research carried out by the applicant is leading edge in its field;
  • The research has already, or is likely to result in the generation of valuable new knowledge in the field, or have wider impact;
  • The applicant is able to effectively communicate their research.

Each applicant should address these criteria in their application and  cross-reference that statement to an attached evidence portfolio that is required also.

 

Guidelines and information that you may find useful 

  • Applicants will need to complete a summary of their research written for an academic audience, up to a maximum of 1000 words. This summary is used to assess the scientific merit of your research in terms of the three selection criteria.
  • Research activity undertaken prior to commencement of your PhD studies should be acknowledged but will not normally be taken into account. Rather judging will focus on how you have been able to harness opportunities to develop your research programme after completion of your PhD or equivalent qualification.
  • Provide details of your research question(s), methodology and conclusions. You must have some results, so if your research is at an early stage, please enter in a later year.
  • Ensure you specifically address all three judging criteria – separate sub-sections addressed to each criterion.
  • If you are working as part of a research team, you need to make it clear how your research contributes to the team’s objectives.
  • You may include diagrams or pictures to help explain your research. Please keep the number of these small as this is a summary – not a full dissertation.
  • The entry must be endorsed by two supporters: both of whom will be able to comment on your research and your ability to effectively communicate your research.
  • The supporters will be required to complete a confidential  form which addresses the criteria.
  • The supporters must submit all documents by 5pm (NZST), Friday 24 September 2021.
  • After the closing date, the selection panel may invite a nominee to an interview which would include a 10 minute presentation by the nominee to the panel about their research. This will take place in November/December.
  • Entrants will be asked to agree that any information on the entry form may be used in publicity for the Prizes (see Confidentiality).
  • Please note that information submitted on the entry form may be subject to the Official Information Act.
  • A condition of entry is that the selection panel may contact outside parties to verify information if needed.

 

Confidentiality

The Secretariat gives no undertaking to keep confidential any information that is provided in this application unless this is identified as information that should be treated as such. It may, for example, be used to prepare promotional material for the prize in future years.

 

Selection panel

An independent selection panel will be selected by the Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s decision to present the Prize will be based upon the selection panel’s advice.

It is recognised that occasionally members of the selection panel will know applicants, or have other conflicts of interest. They will be expected to declare all conflicts of interest when these situations arise. In the case of knowing an applicant, the Chair of the selection panel will rule if this is significant enough for the judge to be stood down from the committee for that applicant. (In the case of the Chair having a conflict of interest the decision will be made by another member of the Panel who has been identified in this role at the beginning of the process).

The selection panel will not enter into any correspondence concerning its deliberations. All inquiries should be directed to the Secretariat. The Secretariat will not disclose information on matters such as ranking, or names of nominees.

The Secretariat for the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes is the Royal Society Te Apārangi, If you have any questions then please make contact with pmscienceprizes@royalsociety.org.nz

Secretariat
The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes
C/-Royal Society Te Aparangi
PO Box 598
Wellington
Email: pmscienceprizes@royalsociety.org.nz

 

Announcement

  • The winner is expected to make themselves available for half a day in December/ January to meet with the Prime Minister’s Science Prize media liaison personnel in preparation of media material and photos.
  • The winner will be announced in February/March   (date to be confirmed)
  • The winner will be expected to make themselves available for that announcement in February/March in Wellington.

Checklist

  • All entries must be received (fully complete) by 5pm (NZST), Friday 24 October 2021.

Click on this ‘apply’ link  if you wish to apply or go to the home page and click on the ‘Apply now’ button.