The Chairman's Corner

The Foundation shall in 2012 enter its third year of existence and is now looking forward to awarding The Brain Prize for the second time at a ceremony that will take place in Copenhagen on 9 May. On this first day in 2012 we can look back at a 2011 where the first prize was jointly awarded to Péter Somogyi, Tamás Freund and György Buzsáki, a choice that was unanimously applauded by the international scientific community.

In 2011 we also started the associated Outreach Programme with a round of site visits where the prize winners visited research labs at the three major Danish universities in Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odense. The site visits that took place in October were followed by The Brain Prize Meeting where the three prize winners and 120 brain researchers from Denmark and abroad gathered at the picturesque Hindgavl Castle. The meeting allowed for interesting discussions of hot scientific topics between the lecturers and the audience but also for very rewarding discussions of lab results presented by junior scientists.  This was a memorable event praised by everyone for a unique combination of a high scientific level and a relaxed yet stylish and joyful atmosphere.

There is no doubt that the international scientific community has acknowledged The Brain Prize being the largest prize dedicated to the field of brain research. This was underscored by the high number of nominations of qualified candidates for the 2012 prize that we received during the call for nominations campaign that finished 15 September. The continued interest of the scientific community is crucial if we are to fulfill our aspiration of promoting brain research with this prize, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks to those who submitted nominations.

The members of the Selection Committee are again doing a marvelous job scrutinizing the many nominations of brilliant fellow scientists, and a number of distinguished researchers provide invaluable support acting as external independent referees of the work of shortlisted nominees. A meticulous, comprehensive and fair selection process is of utmost importance for the prestige of the prize, and everyone involved in the process has been asked to make sure that not only research merit but also integrity are taken into account when evaluating the work of the candidates.

In February the Selection Committee will convey their recommendation of winner(s) of the 2012 prize to the Board of Directors and the prize winner(s) will be announced on the first day of the international Brain Awareness Week – Monday 12 March. The announcement will be broadcast by way of live streaming at our website beginning at 10 AM, CET. 

We are also looking forward to continuing the outreach programme 2011/2012 with a public lecture given by Péter Somogyi at Aarhus University 13 March and with the participation of the three prize winners at the annual meeting of the Danish Society for Neuroscience 6-8 May held at Sandbjerg Castle.  

I would like to thank each and every one who provided support for The Brain Prize in 2011 and wish you all a happy 2012.

1 January 2012 Nils Axelsen                                  
Chairman, Board of Directors