[American Academy of Neurology](https://www.aan.com)

October 2026 (full application deadline, projected) | October 2026 (full application deadline, projected)

$40,000 prize; includes sculpture, complimentary annual meeting registration, and travel reimbursement

Recognizes innovative research that has significantly advanced the understanding or treatment of multiple sclerosis.

--- ## Description This prize, awarded jointly by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, honors researchers who have made outstanding, innovative contributions to the understanding, prevention, treatment, or cure of multiple sclerosis (MS). The award emphasizes impactful, recent, or ongoing research that has shifted paradigms or directly influenced MS management, rather than being a lifetime achievement recognition. The recipient is expected to give a lecture at the AAN Annual Meeting. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) - October 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $40,000 prize, awarded as an unrestricted honorarium to the recipient - Sculpture commemorating the achievement - Complimentary registration for the AAN Annual Meeting - Reimbursement for coach airfare, two days of meals, and housing expenses to attend and present at the Annual Meeting (subject to in-person event feasibility) --- ## Eligibility - Must have made impactful advancements in the understanding or treatment of multiple sclerosis. - Must be actively engaged in basic or clinical research related to MS. - Both self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted. - Applicants do **not** need to be AAN members. - Industry employees are **not** eligible. - Service and leadership in the MS community are considered, but the focus is on research impact and innovation. --- ## Application Process - Submit a completed application form. - Provide a current CV (including all publications or a link to a comprehensive list). - Include a personal statement (up to 1,500 words) detailing the impact and originality of your MS research. - Request a letter (or up to three) from a colleague summarizing your research accomplishments, their context, and their impact on MS understanding or treatment. The colleague submits this letter directly. - For nominations, nominators complete the form and select the nomination option; the nominee then uploads their materials. **Judging Criteria:** - Significance and impact of the research on MS understanding or treatment - Originality and uniqueness of the work - Attribution (primary role in the research) - Track record (publications, authorship, h-index) - Relevance to MS (etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, diagnosis, quality of life, healthcare delivery) - Consideration of overcoming hardship, scientific citizenship, and service --- ## Additional Information - The recipient must present a 20-minute lecture at the AAN Annual Meeting. - The prize is not intended as a lifetime achievement award; ongoing or recent research is prioritized. --- ## External Links - [Program page and application instructions](https://www.aan.com/research/john-dystel-prize-for-multiple-sclerosis-research) - [Application portal (when open)](https://aan.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/473/home) - [AAN Awards & Research Opportunities](https://www.aan.com/search/awards?page=1) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |------------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Scientific Awards Team / Program Manager | science@aan.com | (800) 879-1960 | [Contact AAN](https://www.aan.com/about-the-aan/contact-us) | ---

John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research

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