Competition
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize is a competition run by American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Open to: grades 9 to 12.
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- School year
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
The AAN prize recognizes high school students doing original research on the brain and nervous system. Three AAN winners and one Bhuwan Garg prize winner are chosen, with travel covered for the AAN winners.
Students submit original neuroscience research, judged in two rounds by physicians and scientists. Winners receive $1,000 and present at a poster session at the AAN Annual Meeting.
Key facts
- Run by
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
- Where
- Nationwide
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12Students enrolled in and attending secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of age. Individual projects only.
- Commitment
- Not posted
- Applications
- Applications open July 29, 2026 and close October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT (past window; confirm next cycle)Deadline: October 20, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- Original individual research
- E-signatures from parent or guardian, teacher and mentor
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Neuroscience Research Prize details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
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| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay ContestCompetition | Nationwide | Grades 9 to 12 | Not posted | Last cycle: submission site opened January 9, 2026 and closed March 4, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Center for Excellence in Education USA Biolympiad (USABO)Competition | Nationwide | Not posted | Not posted | October 23 (school registration fee for the 2027 competition); host school confirmation by October 20, 2026 |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Public Health Academy Online Summer CourseCertification or course | Online | 16 and up | One week, web-based | Summer |
| MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere) Virtual Service Learning TripsVolunteering | Online | Not posted | Not posted | Not posted |
| Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent SearchCompetition | Nationwide | Grade 12 | Not posted | November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET |
| Stanford Medicine Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Fall IntensiveCertification or course | Online | Not posted | Not posted | Last cycle: opened May 1, 2026 and closed June 1, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
Pre-Med opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize?
Grades 9 to 12. Students enrolled in and attending secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of age. Individual projects only.
When does American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize take applications?
Applications open July 29, 2026 and close October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT (past window; confirm next cycle) Deadline: October 20, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle).
What do you need to apply?
Original individual research, E-signatures from parent or guardian, teacher and mentor.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/aan-neuroscience-research-prize.
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