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

June 2025 (Applications open) | October 2025 (Applications close)

$50,000 prize; one-time award; includes meeting registration

Honors individuals for major research contributions advancing the understanding, treatment, and care of ALS.

Award is open to both self-applicants and nominations; industry employees are not eligible.

--- ## Description This annual award recognizes individuals who have made significant research contributions toward understanding the causes, prevention, and cure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Established in 1996 and funded by the Essey family through the American Brain Foundation, the award is presented in partnership with the ALS Association, ALS Network, and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Recipients are selected for recent and long-term scientific impact and overall influence on ALS research, including discoveries in genetics, biomarkers, therapeutics, clinical care, and research leadership. The award aims to further groundbreaking ALS research and inspire future generations of scientists. --- ## Due Dates - Applications anticipated to open: June 2025 - Applications anticipated to close: October 2025 - Award presentation: April 2026 at the AAN Annual Meeting *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 one-time prize to be used by the recipient for ALS research - Complimentary registration for the AAN Annual Meeting - Award includes a commemorative sculpture --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals actively engaged in ALS research - Both self-applicants and nominations are accepted - Industry employees are not eligible - Applicants must demonstrate significant, innovative, and impactful ALS research contributions - There are no citizenship or geographic restrictions --- ## Application Process - Submit a complete application package through the AAN’s online platform (see links below) - Required materials: - Completed application form - Current curriculum vitae - Personal statement describing scientific contributions to ALS (including significance and impact) - Letter from a colleague summarizing the applicant’s body of work, research context, and impact - Supporting information (max three pages): single-page biography and 6–10 peer-reviewed references supporting ALS research contributions - Nominations: Nominators submit a form; the nominee is then invited to complete the application - Judging criteria include recent and long-term scientific impact, research innovation, overall contribution to ALS, and professional integrity --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are expected to present a 20-minute lecture at the AAN Annual Meeting - The award is intended to support continued ALS research, including the development of junior researchers - Past recipients include internationally recognized leaders whose work has shaped ALS research and clinical care --- ## External Links - [Program Page – ALS Association](https://www.als.org/research/research-we-fund/fellowships/sheila-essey-award-als-research) - [AAN Award Information](https://www.aan.com/research/sheila-essey-award-for-als-research) - [Apply or Nominate (AAN Platform)](https://aan.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/485/home) - [Award Recipients and Impact](https://www.als.org/research/research-we-fund/fellowships/sheila-essey-award-als-research/recipients) - [ALS Association: Funding Opportunities](https://www.als.org/research/researchers/funding-opportunities-researchers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries (ALS Assoc.) | [alsinfo@als.org](mailto:alsinfo@als.org) | +1 800-782-4747 | | Application Questions (AAN) | [science@aan.com](mailto:science@aan.com) | | Grant Applicant Info | [ResearchGrants@als.org](mailto:ResearchGrants@als.org) | | ALS Association Contact Page | [Contact Form](https://www.als.org/contact-us) | ---

Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research

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