“In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream” Rob Burrow CBE, late patron of the MND Association
Award description
The Rob Burrow Early Career Researcher Prize is an annual competition to acknowledge the contribution of an outstanding UK-based Early Career Researcher in advancing scientific understanding or treatment in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / motor neurone disease.
The Prize, created by the MND Association in memory of our late patron Rob Burrow CBE, comprises a commemorative medal, a research stipend of £10,000 and a £2,000 bursary to attend the Association’s International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of researchers and people affected by MND. This year the Prize will be announced at the Queen Square / UK MND Research Institute Symposium, at University College London on 11 September, with the winner invited to deliver a brief presentation on their research.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- the award is granted to UK-based Early Career Researchers investigating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease
- a basic, clinical or healthcare researcher currently engaged in MND research or completing formal clinical training in a UK institution
- at the application deadline, the candidate should have no more than six years post-PhD experience
- a publication record in the field, with a prominent primary published (or accepted) first/lead author paper within two years preceding the application deadline
- demonstrable interest and career commitment to MND research through accumulated/developing knowledge, leadership, engagement and communication activities
- the winner must be available to receive their award at the Queen Square / UK MND RI Symposium in London, 11 September 2026. In applying, candidates grant the MND Association the right to publicly announce details of the winner.
Application process
Only one submission can be made by each applicant.
All documentation should be submitted online via the application portal, to include the following documentation and information:
- a brief (maximum 2 page) CV and additional accompanying publication list,
- a personal statement outlining the applicant’s career and wider personal development to date, as well as future aspirations and vision,
- a .pdf copy of the primary paper accepted for publication or published in a high-impact peer reviewed journal within two years of the application deadline,
- a plain English abstract outlining, in lay-friendly terms, the candidate’s primary research paper and how it contributes to advancing understanding and/or treatment of MND,
- a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or senior collaborator.
Please note:
- the application portal incorporates text boxes to input the personal statement and plain English abstract. These boxes provide limited visibility, so applicants may prefer to compose information in Word and then paste content into the text box in the portal.
- partially completed applications can be saved on the portal and finalised on a subsequent visit.
Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on 26 June 2026
Review process
Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising leading investigators and people affected by MND. Panel members will consider the following criteria:
- quality and impact of the primary research publication
- quality and comprehensibility of the plain English abstract
- overall research career success
- personal development and commitment to MND research.
Applicants will be informed, via email, in late July.
Data protection
The information provided by applicants will be used by the judging panel to assess their suitability for the award. Contact details will be used to notify applicants of the award outcomes. In applying, candidates grant the MND Association the right to publicly announce details of the winner. The MND Association will not share any information provided with external parties. For further information on how your data is collected and used, see our full Privacy Policy.