The NSI Early-Career Investigator Award
The NSI Early-Career Investigator Award will recognize a rising star (within 10 years of completing their PhD), who is a member of NSI employed at a higher education institution on the island of Ireland and has made significant contributions to neuroscience.
Criteria:
Have graduated with PhD within 10 years of the time the award is made
Have made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience
Employed at a HEI on the island of Ireland
Nomination Requirements:
A brief nomination form with a basis for nomination (limit 1000 words)
A brief biographical statement (limit two pages)
A list of the nominees most notable publications or outputs (limit two pages)
Neuroscience Ireland Awards 2025
The NSI Education in Neuroscience Award
The Education in Neuroscience Award is designed to pay tribute to a member of NSI who has made significant consistent and impactful contributions to education and training of neuroscientists at all career levels.
Criteria:
Have educated in the field of neuroscience at a HEI on Ireland
Nomination Requirements:
A brief nomination form with a basis for nomination (limit 1000 words)
A brief biographical statement (limit two pages)
A list of the nominees most notable pedagogical activities or publications (limit two pages)
The Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award
The Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award is designed to recognize an outstanding long-standing member of the neuroscience community of Ireland demonstrating international standing in academic and intellectual achievement.
Criteria:
Have evidence of outstanding lifetime achievements in neuroscience
Nomination Requirements:
A brief nomination letter with a basis for nomination (limit 1000 words)
A brief biographical statement (limit two pages)
A list of achievements and most notable research outputs (limit 2 pages)
How to Nominate
We invite you to nominate someone for an NSI 2025 award. As a member of NSI, you are eligible to nominate a neuroscientist for one of this year’s awards recognizing individuals for their contribution to neuroscience and our Neuroscience Ireland community. Award recipients will be honored and speak at the NSI Conference in Belfast (August 28th-29th).
To nominate a researcher, email the documents detailed under ‘requirements’ above to the NSI council neuroscience.ireland@gmail.com
The deadline for nominations is Thursday April 24th 12 noon.
In your nominations, please keep in mind the NSI commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
The NSI Distinguished Investigator Award is given in memory of our dear friend and former President of Neuroscience Ireland, Tom Connor, who passed away at too young an age in 2013. The Award is presented to an exceptional research scientist from Ireland or based on the island of Ireland who has made an exceptional contribution to the field of neuroscience.
“We have lost an exceptional academic and, more importantly, a wonderful person who was kind, considerate and respectful to everyone he met. We are very fortunate to have worked with him, been taught by him, mentored by him, befriended by him and inspired by him. He will be greatly missed.”
Previous Awardees
Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award
2022: Prof. Geraldine Boylan, UCC
2020: Prof. Orla Hardiman, TCD
2019: Prof. Ray Dolan, UCL
2017: Prof. John Cryan, UCC
2015: Prof. Paul Kenny, USA
2013: Prof. Marina Lynch, TCD
2012: Prof. John Foxe, USA
2011: Prof. Brian Leonard, NUI Galway
Early Career Investigator Award
The Award is presented to an outstanding research scientist who has made exciting basic science or clinical contributions to the field of neuroscience. Nominees for this award must be members of the Society, be within 8 years of receiving their terminal degree (PhD or MD), and not yet in an academic position.
2022: Dr Roisin McMackin, TCD
2020: Dr Peter Murphy, TCD
2018: Dr Kathy Ruddy, TCD
2016: Dr. Shane Hegarty, UCC
2013: Dr. Eric Downer, UCC
2012: Dr. Tobias Engel, RCSI