CHICAGO, October 23, 2024 — The American Epilepsy Society is proud to announce the establishment of the Eileen M. Murray, MM, CAE, First-Generation Travel Award, aimed at supporting first-generation health professions students engaged in research related to epilepsy.
"This award honors Eileen M. Murray's remarkable leadership and invaluable contributions to the Society over the past 11 years as CEO." said Howard P. Goodkin, MD ,PhD, FAES, Second Vice President.
This new award will recognize a first-generation undergraduate, medical, graduate, nursing, pharmacy, neuropsychology, or other health professions student who submits and is selected to present an outstanding research abstract at AES each year. The selected awardee will receive a $1,000 USD travel stipend and complimentary registration to the AES Annual Meeting. The fund will be established with an initial gift from an anonymous donor.
Murray stated “I am deeply grateful that the Board of Directors has chosen to create this fund. AES has a deep commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists. It is a part of our mission that means a lot to me, and I know how impactful AES travel awards, research internships, and young investigator grants can be in launching new careers. Through inspiring conversations with recipients, I have heard first-hand about the unique challenges, and rewards, of this path for first-generation students and I am extremely pleased to be able to direct this generous fund toward their futures.”
Eligible applicants must be:
- Investigators currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within the last 10 years) from, medical school, neuroscience, or related graduate programs, nursing school, or other health professions higher degree programs
- Conducting basic or clinical research directly related to epilepsy
- First-generation students, defined as individuals whose parents/guardians have not obtained a four-year college degree
- The first author of an abstract submitted to the AES
- Individuals who have not previously received this or any other AES travel award
The AES Scientific Program Committee will select the awardee(s) each year, with notifications sent through regular abstract award notification processes prior to the annual meeting.