ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú

Sponsored by the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú and endowed by UCB, Inc., Lilly USA, Elite Home Medical & Respiratory, Inc., Raleigh Neurology Associates, and friends of Dr. Wayne A. Hening.

The application period is closed.

About

This award recognizes scientific contributions in sleep from promising early career investigators. The goal of this award is to reward productive early-career investigators and to emphasize the essential role of neurology in sleep medicine.

Timeline

• Applications open: August 5, 2025
• Applications close: October 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Notifications sent: By end of January 2026

Presentation

Recipient is expected to give a 10-minute presentation based on the selected manuscript 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
• Applicants do not need to be board-certified in sleep medicine to apply
• 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 sleep medicine, and reasons why the applicant should receive the award
4. A maximum 300-word abstract on sleep research in which the applicant played an important role (abstract will be ineligible for submission to the 2026 Scientific Program).

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.
• Abstract quality of writing: Demonstrate the following qualities: clarity, clear relay of methods, and succinct communication style.
• 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.