SfN ANNOUNCES NEW AWARD RECOGNIZING YOUNG SCIENTISTS
Washington, DC — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is pleased to announce today the creation of the Nemko Prize in Cellular or Molecular Neuroscience, a new annual award recognizing the achievements of a young scientist in advancing the understanding of brain function.
The Nemko Prize was created by columnist, author, and career coach Marty Nemko, PhD, on behalf of the Nemko Family. The prize will recognize an outstanding PhD thesis advancing understanding of molecular, genetic or cellular mechanisms underlying brain function, including higher function and cognition. Winners receive $2,500, as well as complimentary registration and travel to SfN’s annual meeting, the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. The award will be presented for the first time at Neuroscience 2013 in San Diego.
“I’ve spent my career examining, writing and teaching about how our thoughts, ambitions and even fears drive our professional and personal lives,” said Nemko. “Along the way, I have drawn on the science that explains who we are, from human intelligence to genetics. Working with SfN, I’m proud to help support those who aspire to understand the enigma that is our brain.”
The prize will recognize an outstanding PhD thesis on molecular, genetic or cellular mechanisms underlying brain function. This research area strives to understand how neurons — the basic working unit of the brain — function and communicate. Scientists hope this information will help them become more knowledgeable about the circuits responsible for disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Sorting out this circuitry is also vital to understanding the broad spectrum of the brain’s functions, including how the brain stores memories and the biological basis of psychiatric diseases.
“We are grateful for the support of the Nemko Family to develop this prize and focus attention on an important area of research,” said SfN President Larry Swanson, PhD. “Their contributions create a unique opportunity to impact a young researcher’s career path in science and encourage excellence in cellular and molecular neuroscience.”
The award is open to all qualified nominees, including non-SfN members. Further background and nomination requirements for the prize can be found at www.SfN.org/Awards.
The Society for Neuroscience is an organization of nearly 42,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system. More information is available at www.SfN.org.
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