ROB BURROW EARLY CAREER INVESTIGATOR PRIZE
“In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream” Rob Burrow CBE
Award Description
The Rob Burrow Early Career Investigator Prize is a new initiative created by the MND Association in memory of Rob Burrow CBE. It is being established as 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 comprises a commemorative medal, a research stipend of £10,000 and a £2,000 bursary to attend the International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Applications are judged by an external panel of prominent researchers and people living with and affected by MND. The Prize will be announced at the UK MND Research Institute Symposium, held at University College London on 5 September, at which the winner will give 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 actively engaged in MND research or completing formal clinical training in a UK institution
- At the time of application, 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 and make a brief presentation at the UK MND RI Symposium in London, 5th September 2025. 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 opening on 20 June, 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 simple 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 finalized on a subsequent visit.
Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on 28 July 2025
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Judging Panel comprising leading investigators and people living with and 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 mid-August via email.
Data Protection
The information provided by applicants will be used by the Judging Panel to assess their suitability for the award. The MND Association will not share any information provided with external parties. Contact details will be used to notify applicants of the award outcomes. For further information on how your data is collected and used, see our full Privacy Policy.