Applications Open for 2026 Rachel Horne Prize Recognizing Leadership in Women's MS Research

Applications are now open for the 2026 Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS, an international award recognizing an established female scientist whose research has significantly advanced care for women living with multiple sclerosis (MS), with submissions accepted through June 12, 2026.

The annual prize, funded through the Horne Family Charitable Fund and supported by the International Women in Multiple Sclerosis network (iWiMS), the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS), awards $40,000 to a senior researcher demonstrating exceptional scientific contribution, leadership, and impact in women-focused MS research.

The winner will be announced in September 2026. The award will be presented at the 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting in Toronto, Canada, in October 2026.

“Recognizing the outstanding work senior women neuroscientists make to health-related research in MS and leadership remains imperative,” Rachel Horne, founder of the prize and an MS advocate who was diagnosed with the condition in 2009, said in a statement. “It is a privilege to support and honor those who have dedicated their professional lives to researching issues faced by women with MS.”

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold an MD or PhD degree
• Have worked for more than 15 years at the assistant professor level.
• Hold the title of associate professor or professor at the time of application.
• Be able to provide verifiable evidence if points of clarification are needed.

Applicants may self-nominate. Submissions—limited to 2 pages in English and uploaded via the online portal by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 12, 2026—must outline the applicant's career context, key accomplishments, case for consideration, and vision for how the field is evolving, with strong emphasis placed on the applicant's leadership role in women's health research in MS and their measurable contribution to the field. Applications must also declare the number of years post-PhD, if applicable, and the number of years in an equivalent assistant professorship position. The review panel will include members of the iWiMS executive committee and additional iWiMS members.

If selected, the recipient will record a special episode for the ECTRIMS podcast and present their work through global remote and/or in-person meetings organized by iWiMS.

Horne established the prize in 2023 after identifying a significant gap in knowledge surrounding women's health issues in MS—a disease in which women account for approximately two-thirds of those diagnosed. Past recipients include Kristen Krysko, MD (2025), recognized for research guiding treatment decisions during pregnancy and breastfeeding; Kerstin Hellwig, MD (2024), honored for work improving understanding and safety for women with MS across the reproductive lifespan; and Rhonda Voskuhl, MD (2023), recognized for investigating sex differences in MS susceptibility and progression and identifying potential therapeutic pathways.

“iWiMS is delighted to partner with the Rachel Horne Prize in recognizing the outstanding contributions being made by senior scientists,” Marwa Kaisey, MD, chair of iWiMS, said in a statement. “Supporting the work of women researchers in MS is essential to sustaining diverse perspectives and ensuring equitable representation in scientific advancements that improve patient care and outcomes.”

Eligible researchers are encouraged to apply before the June 12 deadline. Full eligibility criteria, winner requirements, and the online application portal are available at www.rachelhorneprize.com/application.