Published Today at 01:45 PM

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

Peter Doherty Awards celebrate Queensland STEM excellence

  • Crisafulli Government celebrates the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards winners across seven categories.
  • Awards recognise outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Queensland.
  • 28 award winners receive prize money for further study or professional development. 
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government has celebrated the 23rd year of the Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, recognising and rewarding Queensland’s outstanding students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners. 

Across the State, 28 awards have been presented across seven categories, with each winner receiving $5,000 to support further STEM education or professional development. 

The prestigious awards, named after Brisbane-born Nobel Prize-winning scientist Professor Peter Doherty, recognise outstanding and innovative contributions to STEM education in Queensland. 

Professor Doherty was educated at Indooroopilly State High School and The University of Queensland, and the annual awards continue to honour his legacy by celebrating the next generation of Queensland STEM excellence. 

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Peter Doherty Awards highlighted the remarkable breadth of STEM talent across Queensland schools and communities. 

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to recognise the winners of the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards and celebrate their outstanding achievements across STEM education,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“These awards honour the students, educators, schools and partners who are helping to build a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers, mathematicians and innovators for Queensland. 

“We know there are many homegrown STEM stars in Queensland, and these award winners reflect the talent, dedication and creativity that exists right across our State. 

“Whether it is a student pursuing cutting-edge research, a teacher inspiring curiosity in the classroom, a support officer strengthening practical learning, or a school or partner delivering innovative programs, each winner is making an important contribution to STEM education.”

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a world-class education for all students after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, with a renewed focus on strong foundations, more support for teachers and better opportunities for the next generation of Queenslanders.  

“We are delivering the government’s election commitment to provide professional development opportunities for teachers to strengthen STEM capability in classrooms.

“We encourage students to engage with STEM through initiatives including the Queensland Virtual Academy and the Premier’s Coding Challenge, and these awards show what is possible when talent and opportunity come together.” 
 
The 2026 Peter Doherty Awards winners were recognised across the following award categories: 

  • Outstanding Senior STEM Student  

  • Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student  

  • Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student  

  • Outstanding Teacher of STEM  

  • Outstanding STEM Support Officer  

  • Outstanding School STEM  

  • STEM Education Partnership  

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816