Entries for the 2009 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology are invited by 15 June from scientists of 35 years of age or younger.
Recognising outstanding contributions to neurobiology research conducted during the past three years and based on methods of molecular and cell biology, the US$ 25,000 prize will be announced and presented at a ceremony in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
The 2008 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology was awarded to Dr Mauro Costa-Mattioli, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA, for his essay "Switching memories ON and OFF". Dr Costa-Mattioli's research is aimed at understanding the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying memory storage and cognitive disorders. In his prize-winning essay, Dr. Costa-Mattioli describes his recent findings that highlight the role of protein synthesis in long-lasting changes in synaptic strength and learning and memory. Ultimately, his studies hold promise for both the understanding of basic brain functions and for developing new treatments of major brain disorders, including impaired memory function in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Established in 2002, the annual Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology acknowledges the increasing importance of this research in advancing our understanding of how the brain and nervous system function. The winner is awarded US$ 25,000 as well as free Eppendorf products worth US$ 1,000 and has his or her work published in the journal Science and on Science Online. The winner also receives a free five-year subscription to Science and Science Online and an invitation to visit Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany. Up to three finalists are awarded Eppendorf products worth US$ 1,000 as well as a year's subscription to Science and Science Online. All finalist essays, selected by an independent committee of prominent international researchers chaired by the Editor-in-Chief of Science, are published on Science Online. The winner and finalists receive full support to attend the prize ceremony.
Submissions for the prize are to include an essay of up to 1,000 words. The closing date for applications this year is 15 June 2009. Full entry details can be found at www.eppendorf.com/prize.
Eppendorf UK, headquartered in Cambridge, is a subsidiary of Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany, a leading global supplier of systems and research tools for the biotechnology industry. With over 2400 employees on four continents, Eppendorf AG achieved a turnover of £241m (Euro 346m) in 2007 and operating profits (EBIT) of £44m (â"šÂ¬62.5m).