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Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

  2. Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

Celebrating Australia’s Brightest Scientific Minds & Inspiring the Next Generation

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards were created in 1998 by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to recognise and celebrate Australian intellectual and scientific excellence and to encourage younger Australians to follow in the footsteps of our outstanding achievers. The awards have made significant achievements towards building a more publicly engaged scientific leadership in Australia.

Nominations Open February 2026.

Meet the Young Tall Poppies

Over 1,200 researchers have been recognised!

Get to know our Young Tall Poppy winners:

Our Outreach Program

Outreach is at the heart of the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

Our Young Tall Poppies engage with

  • - schools
  • - regional communities
  • - media
  • - science festivals
  • - policy roundtables
  • - and more

By fostering curiosity and sparking dialogue, the outreach program cultivates a scientifically engaged society, one where young Australians see themselves reflected in the future of STEM, and where science is seen not just as knowledge, but as a tool for shaping a better world.

Send an Outreach enquiry to outreach@aips.net.au

Discover More on Science Seeds

Want to dive deeper into the work of our Young Tall Poppy awardees? Explore their stories, research breakthroughs, and community impact on Science Seeds—our dedicated platform for celebrating science that grows ideas and inspires change. From climate solutions to medical innovations, these profiles showcase how Australia’s brightest minds are shaping the future.

The 2026 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards will reopen for nominations in February 2026.

Thank you to our sponsors who make these awards possible.