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Sponsored by the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú and endowed through Dr. Geschwind’s family, friends, and colleagues; Pfizer Inc.; and the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology.

About

This prize is awarded to an individual for outstanding research in the field of behavioral neurology. Applicants should have a strong desire to expand the field of behavioral neurology through research.

Timeline

• Applications open: August 5, 2025
• Applications close: October 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Presentation

Recipient is expected to give a 10-minute presentation on a topic of their choice during a scientific session at the 2026 AAN Annual Meeting.

Benefits

• Certificate of recognition and a minimum of $1,000 prize
• Complimentary registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting
• $100/day per diem for expenses (up to two days)*

*Per diem benefits are dependent on the ability to execute the in-person portion of the Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

• Must be no more than 10 years from completion of most recent training program and no higher academic rank than assistant professor
• Research must be within the following fields of behavioral neurology, geriatric neurology, cognitive neurology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, or other fields deemed within the scope of behavioral neurology
• Applicants do not need to be an AAN member to apply
• Industry employees are not eligible to apply

Application process

Applicants should submit one complete set of the following materials:

1. Completed application form
2. Current curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Letter from the applicant summarizing the focus of the applicant's research program, the independent contributions made by the applicant in the field of behavioral neurology, and reasons why the applicant should receive the award
4. Optional letter from a mentor summarizing the applicant's body of work, including:
   
   1. Relevant background materials
   2. Research accomplishments placed in context
   3. Assessment of the direct or indirect impact of contributions to the understanding of behavioral neurology

Nominations

This award accepts both self-applicants and nominations. Nominators should complete the application form and select the option "I wish to nominate someone". The nominee will receive an email with a link to complete the award application and upload their application materials. Nominators do not need to provide application materials for the nominee.

Judging criteria 

All applications received by the deadline date will be judged based on the following criteria: 

• CV: Judges will consider scientific citizenship, track record (number of papers, first authorships, journal impact, etc.), and career stage.
• Summary letter: Letter should demonstrate the following qualities: innovative, clearly described, impact, consistent with skill set, appropriate statistical methodology, evidence of ethical considerations, and potential to fill a gap.
• Letter of support: Letter should display the following: strength of professional potential, outlines ownership of project, outlines aspects that define a researcher, and outlines career trajectory related to this award.
• Overall impact on the field: Judges will consider scientific integrity, academic excellence, legacy of mentorship, outstanding professionalism, and inspiration for future generations.

Questions?

For more information or questions, please contact Katie Anderson, Scientific ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Program Manager, at science@aan.com.