Terms and Conditions

The Awards are open to all schools in Queensland. The specific criteria for each 2024 category are listed below.

    Students who have:
  • completed Year 11 in a Queensland school and are currently enrolled in at least two Year 12 approved senior science or technology or engineering or mathematics subjects.
  • attained an A standard of achievement or equivalent in at least two Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority or other approved curriculum curriculum senior STEM subjects in Year 11
    • Teachers who:
  • work in a Queensland school and have implemented strategies to lift student performance in STEM
  • work in a Queensland early childhood education context and have implemented strategies to engage children in STEM learning
  • inspire others by ensuring every student succeeds through their ongoing contributions to the learning outcomes of both students and other staff and /or community
    • School-based STEM Support Officers
  • Scientific assistants, teacher aides or other support officers who support the operational aspects of a dynamic and efficient STEM school curriculum.
    • Schools who
  • Schools that demonstrate initiative and commitment in managing and promoting STEM across the whole school and within the community.
    • Education partners
  • Schools that encourage productive (STEM) partnerships with Queensland schools, tertiary, industry, business, government, research or education institutions. Education partners may also be a school volunteer, school mentor, community organisation or a cluster of schools working together on productive (STEM) initiatives.

Award conditions

Applicants may be nominated by themselves or by another person. Previous Peter Doherty Award recipients are not eligible to apply. Applications should not be for projects or initiatives that are the same or similar to previously submitted applications unless the project or initiative is significantly enhanced or modified.

How the award is to be used

For students the award is to be used to:

  • undertake activities associated with tertiary STEM courses
  • attend conferences, forums or events that will extend your experiences in STEM
  • purchase equipment that can assist your learning and development in STEM
  • undertake research projects, including experience in a research laboratory. 

For teachers and support officers, the award is to be used to:

  • assist you to undertake appropriate professional development activities acceptable to your principal and within the normal guidelines of your employing authority. 

For schools and education partners, the award is to be used to:

  •   assist in undertaking further STEM activities.

Attendance at the award ceremony

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will attend the awards ceremony. If required, travel and accommodation expenses will be paid by the Department of Education for the award recipients. For student awards the travel and accommodation expenses will also be paid for two accompanying adults if required.