The Brain Prize is currently the world’s largest prize for neuroscience and is awarded each year by the Lundbeck Foundation. The Brain Prize is awarded to one or more individuals who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions in any area of neuroscience, from basic to clinical, and since it was first awarded in 2011 The Brain Prize has recognised 51 scientists from 11 different countries. More information about The Brain Prize and previous recipients of the prize can be found at The Brain Prize.
Recipients of The Brain Prize can be of any nationality and work in any country, but they must still be active in research, and they must be nominated by others. Winners of The Brain Prize are chosen from the pool of nominations by The Brain Prize selection committee (The Brain Prize selection committee | The Brain Prize). The winners are announced in March each year and they are presented with their medals by His Majesty, The King of Denmark at a Ceremony in Copenhagen in May or June of each year.
Information about the nomination and selection process, including a link to the online submission system can be found here: Nomination and selection process | The Brain Prize.
Nominations for multiple individuals who have contributed to an achievement are strongly encouraged, and nominations of candidates from diverse backgrounds are warmly welcomed.
The nomination window will close on 1 September 2026.
Each year, the European Academy of Neurology is proud to welcome one of the recipients of The Brain Prize awarded in the previous year to deliver The Brain Prize Lecture at the annual EAN Congress. The Brain Prize Lecture at the EAN Congress 2026 will be held during the Opening Session by Frank Winkler, winner of the 2025 prize, on ‘Neural influences on brain tumor growth and therapy resistance’.
