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The Science & PINS Prize is awarded for innovative research that modulates neural activity through physical (electrical, magnetic, optical) stimulation of targeted sites in the nervous system with implications for translational medicine. Established in 2016, the prize is administered by Science and awarded annually for outstanding research as described in a 1,000 word essay based on research performed in the past three years.

Prize money: US$25,000

All federal, state and local taxes, and any other costs and expenses associated with the receipt or use of the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.

Next application deadline: 15 March 2023

Rules of Eligibility

Entrants must be a Junior Investigator with an advanced degree received in the last 10 years and must be 45 years or younger as of 1 January  2023.

The entrant's essay must describe their research and its implications for neuromodulation.

The entrant must have performed or directed the work described in the essay.

The research must have been performed during the previous three years.

Employees of PINS, its subsidiaries,Scienceand AAAS, and their relatives are not eligible for the prize.

Procedures for Entry

The entrant must submit the following items:

• A completed Entry Form.

• An essay, written by the entrant, that describes his or her research and places it in perspective with respect to current research in the field of neuromodulation. The essay must not exceed 1,000  words in length, may include one summary figure or table, and have up to 15 references cited numerically in-text (not included in word count).  The applicant must have done or directed all of the work and it must have been performed in the last three years.

• A one-page letter of recommendation from his or her postdoctoral adviser, supervisor, or other senior colleague who is familiar with the entrant's work.

• A Curriculum Vitae that includes the following:

1. Full citations of papers that the entrant has published on the research described in the essay

2. Academic and professional awards and honors that the entrant has received; and

3. Relevant professional experience

• Copies of two of the entrant's papers that are most relevant to the essay.

The Entry Form and additional submission materials must be submitted electronically through our prize management system here. 

Below is a timeline for the prize selection process. You will be contacted only if there are additional materials or information needed.

March/April/May: Compilation and Review of Submissions

June/July: Selection of Prize Winner

August: Announcement of Prize Winner and Awards Ceremony

Deadline for Entries

15 March 2023

Judging Procedures

Editors fromSciencewill be responsible for the initial evaluation of the essays. The top 10 percent of the essays will be forwarded to the judging panel. The judging panel will be composed of prominent international researchers in the field of neuroscience. The essays will be rated in two areas: scientific quality and significance, and clarity and style of the writing.

Questions/Inquiries

SciencePINSPrize@aaas.org