Neuroscience Research Prize

Scholarship Sponsored by American Academy of Neurology

Overview

This award encourages high school students to investigate the brain and nervous system through original research, recognizes promising young neuroscientists, and acknowledges science teachers who support student research. It is intended to identify students whose scientific skills and creativity indicate potential for future contributions to neuroscience. The program emphasizes original work by individual students and supports projects conducted both inside and outside traditional laboratory settings. Judges are neuroscience physicians and researchers from academic institutions across the United States.

Description: A national award that promotes student-led neuroscience research and rewards scientific excellence and teacher mentorship.

• Encourages student exploration of brain and nervous system topics.
• Recognizes both student achievement and teacher support.
• Accepts projects from a range of research settings.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are secondary school students enrolled in grades 9–12 in the United States; age is not a limiting factor. Each submission must represent the applicant’s original research and written work, and projects must be completed by an individual student—group projects are not allowed. Family members of judges, the AAN Science Committee, or AAN staff are not eligible to apply. Teachers may provide guidance but must allow students to present their own creativity and findings.

Eligibility: U.S. secondary students (grades 9–12); individual, original research; no family ties to judges or AAN staff.

• Individual student projects only; group entries are ineligible.
• Original research and original written work required.
• Projects can be conducted outside formal laboratories.

Application requirements

Applications must include a completed form, a concise abstract, and supporting documentation that describes the research and its context. Required materials include a maximum 300-word abstract, a full research report, and a bibliography. The application process requires electronic signatures from a parent/guardian, a teacher, and a mentor to verify participation and support. Applicants should ensure required e-signatures are obtained in time for submission processing.

Application Requirements: Submit a completed form, a 300-word abstract, research report, bibliography, and required e-signatures.

1. Completed application form
2. Maximum 300-word abstract
3. Research report
4. Bibliography
5. Electronic signatures from parent/guardian, teacher, and mentor

• Keep the abstract clear and concise (≤300 words).
• Provide a well-organized research report with supporting references.
• Obtain required e-signatures before final submission.

Rounds

Applications are reviewed in two rounds by a panel of physicians and scientists engaged in neuroscience research at academic institutions. All submissions are assessed in the first round based on the abstract; the strongest abstracts advance to the final round for a comprehensive review of the full project. Finalists’ complete research materials are evaluated by additional judges to select winners. Four prize winners are chosen through this two-stage process.

Review process: Two rounds—abstract-based initial screening, followed by full-project review for finalists.

• Initial screening evaluates abstracts only.
• Top abstracts advance to a final round with full project review.
• Final selection is made by a broader panel of judges.

Judging criteria

Judging is based on clear, objective criteria applied across both rounds, with an emphasis on relevance to neuroscience, clarity of presentation, scientific potential, and the quality of the research report. The first round focuses solely on the abstract to determine which projects advance. The final round evaluates the complete research report, interpretation of data, creativity, and overall organization and presentation. Winners are selected based on the degree to which their work demonstrates innovation, rigor, and significance to the field.

First round: Evaluation based on the research abstract for relevance, clarity of writing, and research potential.

• Relevance to neuroscience (brain or nervous system topics required).
• Abstract quality: clarity, methods description, and concise communication.
• Research potential: innovation, impact, and gap-filling potential.

Final round: Full project review assessing relevance, creativity, data interpretation, and report quality.

• Creativity and originality of the approach.
• Sound interpretation of data and consideration of limitations.
• Well-organized, clearly written report with readable figures and tables.