[ALS Association](https://www.als.org)

June 2026

$50,000 prize; one-time award

Recognizes significant breakthroughs and leadership in advancing the understanding, treatment, and care of ALS.

--- ## Description The Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research honors individuals who have made transformative contributions to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Established in 1996, the award celebrates researchers whose work has led to major advances, such as the identification of disease-causing genes, development of new therapies and patient-centric solutions, and discovery of biomarkers and risk factors. The award is presented annually in partnership with the ALS Association, ALS Network, and the American Academy of Neurology, and is supported by the Essey family through the American Brain Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - Next anticipated application deadline: June 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 prize awarded annually to one recipient - The funding is intended to support continued ALS research, often enabling winners to advance their own work or support early-career researchers in their teams --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals who have made significant research contributions to ALS, including advances in understanding, prevention, treatment, and care - Typically awarded to established ALS researchers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the field - No explicit restrictions noted regarding institutional or industry affiliation; both academic and clinical researchers are eligible - Nominees are usually recognized for a sustained record of impactful research --- ## Application Process - Applications/nominations are generally submitted annually; details and requirements are posted on the [ALS Association award page](https://www.als.org/research/research-we-fund/fellowships/sheila-essey-award-als-research) - Required materials typically include: - A nomination letter - Curriculum vitae of the nominee - Documentation of major research achievements and impact in ALS - The selection process is managed in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology and collaborating organizations --- ## Additional Information - The award is named in memory of Sheila Essey, who lived with ALS for 10 years - Past recipients have played pivotal roles in key ALS discoveries, including gene identification, new therapies, biomarker discovery, and founding major ALS organizations - The prize is intended to further ALS research and often supports the work of promising young scientists within the recipient's team --- ## External Links - [Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research Program Page](https://www.als.org/research/research-we-fund/fellowships/sheila-essey-award-als-research) - [ALS Association Research Funding Opportunities](https://www.als.org/research/researchers/research-funding-opportunities) - [List of Past Award Recipients](https://www.als.org/research/research-we-fund/fellowships/sheila-essey-award-als-research/recipients) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | alsinfo@als.org | | Phone | +1 800-782-4747 | | Contact Form| [ALS Association Contact Page](https://www.als.org/contact-us) | ---

Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research - ALS Association

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