Neuroscience Research Prize

This award is designed to encourage high school students to explore the world of the brain and nervous system through research, identify and reward those students whose scientific skill and talent indicate potential for scientific contributions in the field of neuroscience, and recognize the efforts of science teachers who have demonstrated support for students interested in neuroscience.

Timeline

• Applications open: June 25, 2024
• Applications close: October 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Benefits

Benefits for three winners of the AAN Neuroscience Research Prize:

• Each winner will receive a $1,000 prize, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA*
• Each winner and their parent or mentor will receive coach airfare, two nights hotel, $100/day per diem for expenses (up to two days), and complimentary meeting registration.

Benefits for one winner of the Bhuwan Garg High School Neuroscience Research Prize:

Winner will receive $1,000 honorarium, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the 2025 Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting*

Winner and their parent or mentor will receive airfare, three nights lodging, ground transportation, and complimentary meeting registration.

Funding for this prize is provided through the Child Neurology Society

Travel, housing, and per diem benefits are dependent on the ability to execute the in-person portion of the Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

• Students must be enrolled in secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of age. Applications must represent original research as well as the original written work of the applicant.
• Projects do not need to occur in formal/traditional lab settings.
• Each project should be the work of an individual student; group projects are not eligible (teachers are encouraged to provide guidance as needed, but must allow each student to demonstrate his/her own creativity)
• Family members of the judges, the AAN Science Committee, or AAN staff are not eligible to apply

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of physicians and scientists who are actively engaged in neuroscience research at academic institutions throughout the US. Four prize winners will be selected through two rounds of judging.

Application Requirements

1. Completed application form
2. Maximum 300-word abstract
3. Research report
4. Bibliography
5. An e-signature from your parent/guardian, teacher, and mentor is required and will be needed to complete your application. Please make sure they are aware so the application can be processed on time. This will be done through this application.

Judging Criteria

All project entries received by the deadline date will be judged by physician and scientist members of the American Academy of Neurology based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to Neuroscience: The problem being investigated concerns the brain or the nervous system including, but not limited to: anatomy, physiology, pathology, function, and behavior. Behavior and psychology projects are not encouraged unless there is a clear link to neurophysiology.
• Creativity: Creativity will be based on the originality of the problem-solving approach, even if the specific problem being addressed is not a new or unusual one.
• Interpretation of Data: The scope of the hypothesis and methodology is feasible. The potential significance of the experiments is placed in the proper perspective. Potential pitfalls of the methodology or interpretation have been addressed
• Research Report: The report is organized, well-written, and the accompanying figures and tables are clearly labeled and readable.