Awards recognise outstanding achievements in neuroscience relative to opportunity

The ALBA Network is a scientific network founded in 2019 that aims to promote equality and diversity in the brain sciences.

The network offers the ALBA-Roche Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience Research to honour mid-career neuroscientists who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in neuroscience relative to opportunity. The award highlights originality, independence, and research in neuroscience that offers potential for improving understanding of the causal mechanisms of brain diseases.

The award is particularly designed to recognise exceptional contributions to neuroscience that emerge from non-linear or unusual career paths, resilient, and inspirational scientific journeys. Ideal candidates may have pursued non-linear or challenging trajectories shaped by caregiving or health responsibilities, migration, resource limitations, mobility restrictions, or systemic and cultural barriers. Excellence achieved despite such challenges will be recognised, in line with the prize’s emphasis on impact relative to opportunity. Mid-career neuroscientists producing independent, original work are especially encouraged to apply.

Candidates can be of any nationality and may reside in any country. Nominees should hold a doctoral degree (PhD); however, those who hold a PhD as well as a DVM or an MD degree are not eligible.

Candidates should typically be mid-career (eg, group leader, assistant professor, or recent associate professor, or equivalent), with demonstrated independence (publications as an independent PI, mentoring of students, etc). Unconventional trajectories are welcome; time-in-role or career stage is assessed relative to opportunity.

Candidates must have a proven track record of conducting innovative and influential research, as evidenced by high-quality independent publications. Their field of study may be in any area of neuroscience/brain research, with significant and original contributions and with potential for improving understanding of the causal mechanisms of brain diseases.

The prize includes a cash award of €15,000 and financial support of up to €3,500 to cover expenses related to attending the FENS Forum to receive the award.