The award honours Indigenous-led projects that benefit communities and solve significant challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems are informed by the ways of being, knowing and doing of the Indigenous peoples of Australia. As Australia's first scientists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' knowledge systems are dynamic, adaptive, interdisciplinary, profound and sophisticated. They are developed and preserved by the practice of the diverse cultures and the ongoing observations, predictions, interpretations, questionings and understandings of our world through enduring connection to communities and/or place over thousands of years.

The Prize will be awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led project that benefits Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place, and contributes to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. The project will demonstrate sincere connection and respectful engagement with community and Australian Indigenous peoples, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.

The prize recipient receives a prize money, a medallion, a lapel pin and award certificate.

To be eligible for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize, a nominee must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• be:
  • an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
  • members of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led team (including family groups); or
  • representatives of a community group.
• not be self-nominated
• not have a concurrent nomination in the 2025 Science Prizes or the Science Teaching Prizes
• practice knowledge systems as part of a project with a demonstrable benefit to Australian Indigenous peoples, communities and/or place and to Australia more broadly.

The full eligibility criteria are available in the guidelines.

• Phone: 13 28 46
• Website: https://www.business.gov.au/contact-us