Joint media release with Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Albanese Labor Government is honouring the extraordinary scientific contributions of First Nations peoples to Australia, with a new award in the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Recognising achievements of national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, this new category aspires to advance the participation of First Nations people in the science sector. 

The honour will also highlight the role of First Nations knowledge systems in solving some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and humanity. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have 65,000 years of unbroken and continued intergenerational connection to Country, bringing unique perspectives, knowledge and skills to science.

The announcement comes ahead of the 25th annual Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, which will be held at Parliament House on Tuesday 8 October 2024.

The inaugural prize in the new category will be awarded at next year’s Prime Minister’s Science Prizes.

Revered as Australia’s most prestigious awards for science, the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science recognise achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.

The guidelines for the new prize will be determined following further engagement with First Nations stakeholders.

To learn more about the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, visit industry.gov.au/PMPrizes. 

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“Over 65,000 years, our First Nations people have built up a huge trove of knowledge from having to survive on a harsh continent. Drawing on that to team up with modern scientific knowledge is something we see huge value in. 

“First Nations knowledge is already helping us better manage bushfires, find new medicines and new sources of nutrition. 

“The new prize will encourage more First Nations scientists into the fold to continue the tradition.”

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians:

“This new prize will place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems alongside Western sciences, acknowledging their value in addressing the challenges facing our nation and humanity.

“This recognition will inform and connect generations of Australians by embedding respect and recognition for Indigenous cultures and how they contribute to the nation.”

Quote attributable to Professor Reuben Bolt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership, Charles Darwin University:

“Indigenous peoples' extended experience of the natural environment over thousands of years has developed unique and nuanced understandings of place, to the point that accurate predictions can be made.

"This is our opportunity to embrace Indigenous Knowledge - to bring together Indigenous Knowledges and Western Science so that we can deepen our understanding of some of the most difficult and complex challenges we face as a nation, to improve the quality of life of our citizens, to sustain the planet, and to safeguard the future for our children".