[National Multiple Sclerosis Society](https://www.nationalmssociety.org)

October 2026

$40,000 cash prize, sculpture, and travel support for AAN Annual Meeting

Annual award recognizing outstanding, recent contributions to multiple sclerosis research, with emphasis on innovative impact and active engagement in the field.

Industry employees are not eligible; prize is not a lifetime achievement award.

--- ## Description The John Dystel Prize is awarded annually by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology, to honor individuals whose recent and ongoing research has significantly advanced the understanding, treatment, or prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS). The award celebrates innovative work that has made a lasting impact on MS research and is intended for active researchers rather than as a lifetime achievement recognition. In addition to the monetary prize, recipients receive a sculpture, complimentary registration, and travel support to the AAN Annual Meeting. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $40,000 cash prize (to be used at the recipient's discretion) - Sculpture recognizing the awardee - Complimentary registration for the AAN Annual Meeting - Reimbursement for travel (coach airfare) and two days of meal and housing expenses for the AAN Annual Meeting --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals who have made impactful advancements in the understanding and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis - Applicants must be actively engaged in basic or clinical MS research - Industry employees are not eligible - The prize is not intended as a lifetime achievement award; recent and ongoing research is a major consideration --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit: - Completed application form - Current curriculum vitae (including all publications or a link to an online publication list) - One to three letters from colleagues summarizing the applicant’s body of work, research accomplishments, and impact on MS understanding Letters should be requested via the application form and submitted directly by the colleagues. --- ## Additional Information - The award is jointly administered by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Neurology. - Service to and leadership within the MS community are considered, but innovative research is the primary selection criterion. - Travel and meeting benefits are contingent on the ability to hold in-person events. --- ## External Links - [National MS Society John Dystel Prize Information](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/for-professionals/for-researchers/research-funding-opportunities/awards-prizes/john-dystel) - [AAN John Dystel Prize Page & Application](https://aan.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/rounds/7/details/7060) - [All National MS Society Research Funding Opportunities](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/for-professionals/for-researchers/research-funding-opportunities/awards-prizes) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | National MS Society | [Contact Page](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/contact-us) \| +1 800-344-4867 | | AAN Scientific Awards Team | [science@aan.com](mailto:science@aan.com) |

John Dystel Prize

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