Prizes
Young Scientist celebrates scientific inquiry and creativity and encourages students to ask big questions. By recognising student achievement through prizes, we celebrate the dedication, problem‑solving and scientific thinking that students demonstrate through authentic investigations and innovative design.
Recognition plays a powerful role in inspiring young people. Receiving a prize builds confidence, validates effort, and encourages students to see themselves as scientists and innovators. For many, the experience of being recognised at a state level becomes a defining moment that motivates further learning and future pathways in STEM fields.
With over 100 monetary prizes awarded each year across primary and secondary categories, the Young Scientist Program ensures that a wide range of students across NSW are celebrated.
Note: Prizes are subject to change depending on program funding
New Focus Area: Climate Action
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and one that strongly resonates with young people.
In 2026, we are launching a new suite of prizes to encourage student projects involving reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other greenhouse gases. These prizes invite students to direct their concern for climate change into action, rewarding scientific inquiry and innovative technological solutions that demonstrate how science, engineering and creativity can help shape a more sustainable future.
This focus area includes projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly. For example, this could involve improving how efficiently energy or resources are used. Many of the biggest emissions reductions come from making everyday systems smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.
We expect that eligible projects will be found across all categories, including scientific investigations (all disciplines) and technological innovations. All relevant projects will be automatically considered for Climate Action prizes—no additional entry steps are required. These prizes expand the range of category and grand awards available across the program. Each project will be recognised at the highest level for which it is eligible, so students do not need to make separate choices or submissions.
Example Areas: Climate Action Awards
| Area | What students might compare | Why it relates to emissions |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and cooling efficiency | Insulation, window coverings, roof colours, draught sealing | Reducing heat transfer can reduce energy needed for heating and air-conditioning |
| Energy use in everyday activities | Cooking methods, appliance settings, lighting, device use | More efficient choices can reduce electricity or gas use |
| Renewable energy generation | Solar panel angle, shade, heat, reflector design | Improving renewable energy efficiency can reduce reliance on fossil fuels |
| Transport efficiency | Rolling resistance, tyre pressure, vehicle shape, route conditions | More efficient movement can reduce fuel or electricity use |
| Waste and materials | Composting, packaging, decomposition, reuse | Reducing landfill, production and disposal impacts can reduce emissions |
| Food and biological systems | Food waste, compost conditions, plant growth, fertiliser use | Food production, waste and soil processes are linked to greenhouse emissions |
| Water and resource use | Washing, cleaning, drying, irrigation, water-saving methods | Less water and hot water use can reduce energy demand |
Grand Awards
Young Scientist of the Year Awards:
- Young Scientist of the Year – $1,200 awarded to the most outstanding overall secondary student project
- Young Scientist Runner Up – $800 awarded to the second-place secondary student project
- Primary Young Scientist – $250 awarded to the most outstanding primary project from years 3-6.
- Budding Young Scientist – $150 awarded to the most outstanding primary project from years K-2.
Rural Young Scientist of the Year Awards:
- $600 awarded to the most outstanding secondary project from a regional or rural areas
- $200 awarded to the most outstanding primary project from a regional or remote area
Young Scientists of the Year – Climate Action
- $1,000 awarded to the most outstanding overall secondary project on reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other greenhouse gases.
- $200 awarded to the most outstanding overall primary project on reducing CO₂ or other greenhouse gases.
