Sheila Essey Award: An Award for ALS Research

About this program

Funded by the Essey family through the American Brain Foundation, the Sheila Essey Award recognizes an individual whose research has made significant contributions to understanding, preventing, treating, or curing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The recipient receives a sculpture, a $50,000 prize to continue ALS research, complimentary registration for the 2027 AAN Annual Meeting, and must deliver a 20-minute lecture at the meeting. Applicants must be actively engaged in ALS research; AAN membership is not required, but industry employees are ineligible. Self-applications and nominations are accepted and must include an application form, CV, applicant statement, colleague letter of support, and supporting biographical and publication information by October 20, 2026.