The prestigious annual Young Tall Poppy Science Awards aim to recognise the achievements of Australia’s outstanding young scientific researchers and communicators.

Nominations are generally called early in the year for two months prior to the selection process. Selection criteria include outstanding research / academic achievement as well as excellence in communication and community engagement to promote an understanding of science.

Over 200 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards had been made around Australia by 2009, and Awards programs are currently in place in New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria/Tasmania with the Northern Territory and Western Australia joining in 2010.

The Award winners (‘Tall Poppies’) participate in education and community outreach programs in which they become role models to inspire school students and the broader community about the possibilities of science. This involves a range of other science promotion activities for school students, teachers and the broader community, including visits to schools, educational seminars, workshops, public talks and other activities.

Nominations for the 2011 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards will open shortly for all states and territories and will be announced at award ceremonies in coming months. They promise to be as good as awards in 2010

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards and associated outreach activities are sponsored nationally by the Department of Health and Ageing and by diverse partners in each state, see our current Partners