The Royal Society of Victoria is delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 New Minds Awards are now open.
About the Awards
The awards celebrate Victoria's next generation of science, technology and engineering talent by awarding prizes in the categories of Technology, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences to people early in their STEM careers
Whether you've run a research project, built a product, or engineered a solution to a real problem, this is your chance to have it recognised, celebrated, and shared with Victoria's broader STEM community.
The awards are new in 2026, but are an evolution of the RSV's popular Young Scientist Research Prizes
We wanted to celebrate all young STEM professionals, whatever their career path or background. With New Minds we have deliberately broadened the categories to reflect science and technology in Victoria today and opened the awards up to any type of project, whether research, development or engineering - Rob Gell, RSV President
For full details read the Applicant Guide
If you want to apply and have got yourself ready, apply through the New Awards Application Form. Applications close 30 September 2026.
Award Categories
Technology
Examples: Computer science, software engineering, data science, AI/ML, cyber security, MedTech, CleanTech, robotics, and digital experience.
Life Sciences
Examples: Biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, medicine, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, agricultural and food science, and related fields.
Physical Sciences
Examples: Physics, chemistry, earth and geosciences, astrophysics, climate science, and engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, materials and aerospace.
If your project spans more than one category, apply under the one you consider primary.
Why Apply?
- Recognition - present your work at a livestreamed Awards Night in front of RSV members, Fellows, media and industry peers
- Prizes- $1,000 for the category winner; every finalist gets a certificate, two years' free RSV membership, and entry to the Emerging Scientists Network
- Exposure - finalists' projects are profiled across RSV's website, social channels and YouTube
Am I Eligible?
As an applicant, you must:
- Be within ten years of receiving your highest STEM qualification (career breaks are taken into account)
- Be a current RSV member (if you are not a member, visit join.rsv.org.au)
- Have a sponsor, for example a supervisor, employer, or RSV Fellow
Your project must:
- Have been predominantly delivered in Victoria
- Have been led by you, or you were the main contributor
- Be complete, or at a substantive, judgeable phase, between January 2025 and August 2026
How to Apply
- Read the Applicant Guide for full eligibility details, judging criteria and submission requirements
- Prepare your written submission — a PDF under 750 words, up to five diagrams, under 8MB
- Line up your sponsor to confirm they've reviewed your submission
- Submit the application form with your project details, category, and a link to your submission PDF
Key Dates
Applications open - NOW
Applications close - 30 September 2026
Judging period - 10 to 30 October 2026
Finalists contacted - Early November 2026
Awards Night - Thursday 26 November 2026, RSV Hall, Melbourne
Good luck!
Other articles of interest
Discover how you can join the society
Join The Royal Society of Victoria. From expert panels to unique events, we're your go-to for scientific engagement. Let's create something amazing.
