Julius Axelrod Prize
The Julius Axelrod Prize, endowed by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, honors a scientist with distinguished achievements in the broad field of neuropharmacology (or a related area) and exemplary efforts in mentoring young scientists.
Recipients receive a $30,000 prize and complimentary registration, transportation (economy air or ground), and two nights hotel accommodations for the SfN annual meeting. The SfN president presents the prize at a lecture at the meeting. In addition, the recipient is invited to give the keynote address for a symposium that is held at the NIMH in the Spring of the following year. This annual event is held in honor of Dr. Julius Axelrod to commemorate his monumental contributions to the fields of pharmacology and neuroscience.
Nominations of women scientists are encouraged.
For more information, please review the Awards and Funding FAQs.
Nomination Criteria & Materials
Nomination Criteria:
- Self-nomination is not permitted.
- Nominees do not need to be SfN members.
- Nominations must be made or endorsed by an SfN member.
- No person may nominate more than one candidate.
- Current SfN officers and councilors are ineligible for nomination.
- Due to potential conflicts of interest, members of the selection committee may not be the nominees, and they cannot serve as nominators nor write letters of recommendation for this prize.
Nomination materials include the following:
- One nomination letter and a maximum of two optional letters of recommendation (one letter must include a summary of past, present and future research - 2 pages)
- Current CV
- A list of 12 of the most important publications authored or co-authored by the nominee
- Names and current job positions of up to five scientists trained by the nominee
Eligibility
Demonstrated accomplishments in the field of neuropharmacology or a related area and have shown dedication to mentoring young scientists.
Past Awardees
- 2021: David Ginty, PhD
- 2020: Morgan Sheng, MBBS, PhD
- 2019: Huda Akil, PhD
- 2018: Stephen Waxman, MD
- 2017: Moses V. Chao, PhD
- 2016: Robert Malenka, MD, PhD
- 2015: Pietro V. De Camilli, MD
- 2014: Susan G. Amara, PhD
- 2013: Joseph T. Coyle, MD
- 2012: Richard W. Tsien, D.Phil
- 2011: Roger Nicoll, MD
- 2010: Stephen Heinemann, PhD
- 2009: Michael Greenberg, PhD
- 2008: Leslie Iversen, PhD
- 2007: Richard Huganir, PhD; David Julius, PhD
Julius Axelrod Prize Selection Committee
Chairperson | Term Ends |
---|---|
Thompson, Scott M
University of Colorado School of Medicine |
12/31/2027 |
Members | |
---|---|
Elgoyhen, Ana B.
Instituto Investigaciones Ingenieria Genetica |
12/31/2024 |
Wolf, Marina E
Oregon Health & Science University |
12/31/2025 |
Nicoll, Roger A
UCSF |
12/31/2025 |
Role, Lorna W
NINDS |
12/31/2026 |
Luscher, Christian
University of Geneva |
12/31/2026 |
Kauer, Julie A
Stanford University |
12/31/2026 |
Everitt, Barry J
Univ Cambridge |
12/31/2026 |