Published Today at 12:30 PM

Minister for Education and the Arts
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

Search starts for Queensland STEM stars

  • The Crisafulli Government opens applications for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education, with a total prize pool of $140,000.
  • Queensland Year 12 students, teachers, support staff, schools and education partners are invited to apply by 30th March.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a world-class education system after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The search on for the State's outstanding innovators in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, with applications open today for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM education.  

Queensland Year 12 students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners (including volunteers, mentors, school clusters or other organisations) are encouraged to apply for the awards. 

The prestigious awards have a total prize pool of $140,000. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, after reducing red tape for teachers by 25 percent to give them more time in the classroom, building student skills for future industries including engineering, science, technology and mathematics. 

Now in the 23rd year, the annual awards recognise outstanding and innovative contributions to STEM education in Queensland across eight categories:  

  • Outstanding Senior STEM Student Awards; 

  • Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student Awards;  

  • Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student Awards;  

  • Outstanding Teacher of STEM Awards; 

  • Outstanding Rural and Remote Teacher of STEM Awards; 

  • Outstanding STEM Support Officer Awards; 

  • Outstanding School STEM Awards; and 

  • STEM Education Partnership Awards. 

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said students should feel encouraged to develop a lifelong passion for learning.  

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards to recognise and celebrate our high achievers across STEM,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“We know there are many more homegrown STEM stars just like Peter Doherty, who are innovating and excelling in STEM education. 

“There’s an awards category for everyone to reflect the breadth of STEM education we offer here in Queensland – so whether you’re a student, a teacher or school support officer – I encourage everyone to get involved! 

“After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, teachers were left drowning in paperwork and administration, which took away from their teaching time and impacted student results.  

“The Crisafulli Government is focused on reducing red tape for teachers by 25 percent, just like we promised, so they can get back to teaching and learning.” 

Since 2004, 599 individuals, schools and organisations have received a Peter Doherty Award, including: 304 students; 184 teachers; 37 support officers; 37 schools; and 27 education partnerships. 

28 prize winners across the eight categories will receive a $5,000 prize each, with the award ceremony to be held in Brisbane on Tuesday 18 August 2026. 

For more information and to apply for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education, visit: www.qld.gov.au\PeterDohertyAwards 

Applications close on 30 March.  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Rogers 0426 414 298