The search on for Queensland’s outstanding innovators in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, with applications opening today for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM education.
Queensland Year 12 students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners (including volunteers, mentors, school clusters or other organisations) are encouraged to apply for the awards.
The prestigious awards have a total prize pool of $140,000.
Now in the 23rd year, the annual awards recognise outstanding and innovative contributions to STEM education in Queensland across eight categories:
- Outstanding Senior STEM Student Awards;
- Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student Awards;
- Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student Awards;
- Outstanding Teacher of STEM Awards;
- Outstanding Rural and Remote Teacher of STEM Awards;
- Outstanding STEM Support Officer Awards;
- Outstanding School STEM Awards; and
- STEM Education Partnership Awards.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards to recognise and celebrate our high achievers across STEM,” said Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek.
“We know there are many more homegrown STEM stars just like Peter Doherty, who are innovating and excelling in STEM education.
“There’s an awards category for everyone to reflect the breadth of STEM education we offer here in Queensland – so whether you’re a student, a teacher or school support officer – I encourage everyone to get involved!”
Since 2004, 599 individuals, schools and organisations have received a Peter Doherty Award, including: 304 students; 184 teachers; 37 support officers; 37 schools; and 27 education partnerships.
Twenty-eight prize winners across the eight categories will receive a $5,000 prize each, with the award ceremony to be held in Brisbane on Tuesday 18 August.
Applications close on 30 March.
For more information and to apply for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education, visit: www.qld.gov.au\PeterDohertyAwards.
