SfN Awards and Prizes
Honoring those who’ve dedicated their careers to furthering the field of Neuroscience.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As part of SfN’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, SfN welcomes nominations of a diverse pool of award candidates. Nominations of women, scientists around the globe, and members of groups historically underrepresented in science are strongly encouraged. Your nominations help us to ensure equity in our awards and to better recognize research achievements made throughout the neuroscience community.
Outstanding Career and Research Achievements Awards
Nominations closed for 2025
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Julius Axelrod Prize
Awarded to scientists for standout achievements in neuropharmacology, or a related area, while mentoring younger scientists. Supported by The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation.
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Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize
The Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize, endowed by the Schaller-Nikolich Foundation, honors original and groundbreaking achievements in neuroscience.
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Ralph W. Gerard Prize in Neuroscience
The highest honor that we bestow, this award recognizes the achievements of a scientist throughout the course of his or her lifetime.
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Jacob P. Waletzky Award
Recognizes young scientists whose research has significantly furthered the understanding of drug addiction. Supported by The Waletzky Prize Award Fund.
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The Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
Granted to a scientist who greatly impacted the field through sustained contributions or recent breakthroughs. Supported by The Swartz Foundation.
Early Career Awards
Nominations closed for 2025
For students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists in the field for a decade or less who have contributed remarkable research or achievements.
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The Donald B. Lindsley Prize in Behavioral Science
Awarded to a young neuroscientist's outstanding PhD thesis in the area of behavioral neuroscience. Supported by The Grass Foundation.
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The Janett Rosenberg Trubatch Career Development Award
Honors young neuroscientists who exhibited creativity in their research and successful academic transitions on the path to tenure. Supported by The Trubatch Family.
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Jennifer N. Bourne Prize in Neuronal and Synaptic Structure and Function
The Jennifer N. Bourne Prize in Neuronal and Synaptic Structure and Function, funded by Kristen M. Harris, recognizes a scientist for outstanding work that advances our understanding of synapses in neural circuits and connectomics at the nanometer scale.
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The Nemko Prize in Cellular or Molecular Neuroscience
Recognizes a young neuroscientist's standout PhD thesis on the various mechanisms of higher brain function and cognition. Supported by The Nemko Family.
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The Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award
Awarded to an early career neuroscientist whose research and academics have excelled in an international setting. Supported by The Gruber Foundation.
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The SfN Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Young Investigator Award
Recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions by an early career neuroscientist who has demonstrated scholarly independence.
Honoring Support For Women
Nominations closed for 2025
These awards honor the promotion and mentoring of women in neuroscience, including mentorship, professional development, and outstanding careers.
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Bernice Grafstein Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Mentoring
Recognizes individuals whose mentorship has supported the advancement of women in neuroscience.
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Louise Hanson Marshall Special Recognition Award
Honors individuals who have significantly promoted the professional development of women in neuroscience.
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Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes an individual with outstanding career achievements who has also supported the professional advancement of women in neuroscience.
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The Patricia Goldman-Rakic Hall of Honor
Honors posthumously a neuroscientist who pursued career excellence and was dedicated to advancing women in neuroscience.
Science Education and Outreach Awards
Nominations closed for 2025
These awards recognize the contributions made by educators and advocates to promote the field of neuroscience among students and the public at large.
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Award for Education in Neuroscience
SfN grants this award to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to neuroscience education and training.
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Next Generation Award
Chapter members who make valuable contributions to outreach, education, and public communication about neuroscience are recognized with a Next Generation Award.
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Science Educator Award
This two-part award honors a neuroscientist's educational outreach, and a neuroscientist's fieldwork on research, outreach, policy, and education.
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Chapter of the Year Award
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes outstanding chapters for their efforts and accomplishments that support SfN's mission and strategic initiatives.
Awards to Our Annual Meeting
DEADLINE: Jun 24
Apply to receive complimentary registration, cover your expenses, and benefit from career advancement opportunities.
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Trainee Professional Development Award
For undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to participate in the annual meeting.
International Travel Awards
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FENS Forum Award
For North American members of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) who want to attend their annual forum.
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JNS Meeting Award
An exchange sponsorship between SfN and the Japan Neuroscience Society to attend their annual meetings.
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CNS Meeting Award
An exchange sponsorship between SfN and the Chinese Neuroscience Society to attend their annual meetings.
International Scientists: Attend Our Annual Meeting
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IBRO Member Award
For neuroscientists age 35 or under who reside in less-developed countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
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JNS Member Award
For graduate student or postdoctoral investigator members of the Japan Neuroscience Society to attend the annual meeting.
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CNS Member Award
For graduate student or postdoctoral investigator members of the Chinese Neuroscience Society to attend the annual meeting.
