From classrooms to cutting‑edge labs, South Australia’s educators, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and problem-solvers are invited to apply for the 2026 South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards. 

As our state’s premier science showcase event, these Awards celebrate the outstanding leadership, innovation and scientific contributions of South Australia’s science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) community.

This year for the first time, a new award will recognise First Nations STEMM contributions through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEMM Award. Open to individuals or teams, the award celebrates the transformative impacts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and groups in STEMM.

Applications are open across 7 categories, including:

• Scientist of the Year
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEMM Award
• Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year
• STEMM Educator of the Year – Secondary or Primary
• STEMM Educator of the Year – University or Registered Training Organisation
• Excellence in Collaborative Innovation
• PhD Research Excellence Award

Winners receive prize money to support their future work or career aspirations – $25,000 for the South Australian Scientist of the Year and $10,000 for each of the category winners.

If this could be you, here are some key dates:

• 2 March – Applications open
• 27 April – Applications close
• May – Judging
• June – Finalists announced
• September – Ticket sales open
• November – Award celebration.