Nominations are now open for the 2022 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science.

These annual prizes are an important opportunity to recognise outstanding people within the Australian science, innovation and technology sectors.

Each year, scientists, research-based innovators and science, mathematics and technology teachers are nominated by their leaders, colleagues, peers and mentors.

This is a great opportunity for you to show your appreciation for the work and the positive difference they make to our lives, our businesses and our children's education.

It is very important that the nominations reflect the diversity of our community.

Recipients of the prizes become a powerful inspiration for our next generation.

And as I've said before, if you can't see it, you can't be it.

We want to make sure everyone, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to engage and participate in science.

I also want to highlight the importance of the Prize for New Innovators.

This prize recognises early-to mid-career research-based innovators, working independently, and within industry.

It is given to someone whose work has the potential to enhance our economy through the translation of scientific knowledge into substantial commercial outcomes.

Innovation that is recognised at this level can energise others in the field, and in turn, foster more innovation, new technologies and improved ways of doing things.

If you know a research-based innovator making inroads, I hope you will nominate them.

And finally, I ask schools with outstanding science, mathematics or technology teachers to nominate them for the primary and secondary school science teacher prizes.

I know it has been an incredibly challenging year for many teachers who have been balancing the impacts of COVID-19 with caring for the needs of their students.

Difficult too for students, learning from home for so long.

But if there's been a silver lining in what has been a really tough couple of years, we've seen how teachers have been finding inventive ways to deliver inspiring science, mathematics and technology subjects.

These teachers are getting our children excited about science as a future career, one with great prospects and adventures, and they are very worthy of recognition.

Now is your chance to nominate someone special for the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science.

Nominations close on February 10, 2022.

Good luck and thank you.