Neuroscience Scholarships

The American Academy of Neurology's Neuroscience Research Prize rewards high school students who conduct original research on the brain and nervous system. Each winner receives a $1,000 prize, a certificate, and the opportunity to present a poster at the AAN Annual Meeting, with coach airfare, two nights' hotel, per diem, and meeting registration covered for the student and a parent or mentor. Students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 in the United States, regardless of age, so freshmen through juniors are fully eligible. Projects must be the original research and writing of an individual student; group projects are not accepted, and projects need not come from a formal lab. Applicants submit an application form, a 300-word abstract, a research report, and a bibliography online, with e-signatures from a parent, teacher, and mentor. The most recent cycle opened August 5 and closed October 21.

This endowed biology scholarship rewards academic excellence among third- or fourth-year Ball State undergraduates majoring in biology who plan to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation, with preference for microbiology or immunology and prior experimental biology research experience. Recipients must hold at least a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Faculty nominations are submitted through the Biology Department Student Awards process. The fund purpose and criteria are published, but the page does not state a fixed dollar award amount.

The Surmont Family Biology Scholarship endowment provides aid to nontraditional biology majors at Morehead State University who balance educational aspirations with other life responsibilities, as donor Al Surmont did while earning his biology degrees at MSU. The fund was established by Joe and Sherry Surmont to honor Al's parents and their lifelong commitment to education and conservation. Students apply through the MSU Foundation Scholarship Application on AcademicWorks, which opens in January each year. The scholarship supports Eagles pursuing biology degrees who may face financial demands beyond standard merit or need-based packages.

The Thomas S. McComish Scholarship in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries supports Ball State sophomores and above in the Department of Biology pursuing the undergraduate Aquatic Biology and Fisheries option or graduate fisheries studies. Candidates must demonstrate fisheries interest through professional experience, American Fisheries Society membership, or relevant coursework such as ichthyology and fish management, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Award size is determined by the departmental committee and available fund earnings rather than a published fixed amount.

Endowed scholarship providing $1,000 for full-time Central Washington University juniors or seniors majoring in biology who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Financial need is considered as a preference factor but is not strictly required. Students apply through the Scholarship Central portal in MyCWU when the general application opens October 1 and closes March 1 for the following academic year. Contact the CWU Scholarship Office or Department of Biological Sciences with questions about eligibility or application materials.

Graduating seniors at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, Florida, who plan careers in neuroscience or a related field may apply for the Frederick W. Schaerf Neuroscience Scholarship from the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. One non-renewable award of $4,000 covers tuition, books, fees, and tutoring, but not housing. Complete the online application and financial-needs assessment with an essay on neuroscience goals, transcripts, FAFSA or SAI documentation, extracurricular and volunteer records, and proof of college acceptance. The scholarship honors Dr. Schaerf's legacy in neuroscience.

Endowed scholarship for Winthrop University students majoring in Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Applications are emailed to eligible students each spring for the following academic year. The scholarship is renewable for upperclassmen who maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Awards are made by the college scholarship committee based on published criteria for frequently offered departmental scholarships. Biology majors should watch for the February email announcement and submit the college application by the spring deadline.