About the prize 2026

This prize is for an outstanding student for excellence in a science-related project.

 

Value

  • $50,000 to support the winner’s tertiary education in New Zealand (50% on announcement and 50% at the start of the following year).

 

Eligibility

Applicants must be studying in New Zealand, in Year 12 or 13, and have had a minimum of 3 years of secondary schooling in New Zealand.

  • Applicants must be eligible to enrol at a New Zealand tertiary institution.

 

Criteria

Our panel of experts will assess projects related to natural, physical, mathematical, information, applied, engineering, technological, or other sciences. They will look for:

  • high-quality literature review and objective-setting (demonstrating understanding of relevant background, identifying a clear research question or problem, and defining measurable objectives grounded in evidence)
  • sound design and planning of the investigative process (proposing appropriate methods, and identifying variables, controls, equipment, and limitations)
  • thorough execution of the experimental or investigative process (following the planned methodology or justifying deviations and systematically collecting and recording accurate data)
  • correct analysis and interpretation of data and results (identifying patterns, trends, or anomalies in the data, and interpreting results critically) quality of conclusions (relating findings back to the original objectives or hypothesis, and reflecting on potential applications, wider significance, or directions for further work)

Applications must include statements from at least one referee, such as a teacher or school leader or a judge of a science and technology fair, and a proposal for investment of the Prize money towards tertiary study in New Zealand.

 

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).

If you have any questions during the process, please contact the Society. Do not contact any of our experts. All applicants, nominees, and their supporters must agree not to contact any of our Panel Members during the assessment process – and vice versa. In the case of a potential conflict of interest with the Chair, the Chief Executive of the Society will manage the decision.

 

Confidentiality

The Society will interview a shortlist of applicants for the Prize, based on initial scores, but 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.

 

How to apply

See how to apply for the Future Scientist Prize Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata

 

 

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
pmscienceprizes@royalsociety.org.nz

 

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