Awards

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations presents four awards to recognize excellence in the ALS/MND community. The awards are described below, along with a link to submit a nomination and a list of previous winners.

Forbes Norris Award

The Forbes Norris Award, first presented in 1994, honours the memory of Dr. Forbes “Ted” Norris (1928-1993), a neurologist who dedicated his career to helping people with ALS/MND. The purpose of this prestigious award is to encourage a combination of two major qualities: management of and advances in understanding ALS/MND, to the benefit of people living with the disease. The criteria for the Forbes Norris award are that the nominee must be:

• a major participant in the delivery of outstanding ALS/MND patient care;
• a significant contributor to the medical literature on ALS/MND clinical management or basic science; and
• a member of team/s undertaking ongoing research into ALS/MND care, management and/or basic science.

Nominations for the Forbes Norris Award are considered annually; the awards are presented each year during the opening ceremony of the International Symposium on ALS/MND.  If there are no qualified candidates nominated in a particular year, the award will not be granted.

Submit a nomination for the 2024 Forbes Norris Award by September 30

2023 Forbes Norris Award Recipient

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations is proud to announce Dr. Jeremy M. Shefner as the distinguished recipient of the prestigious Forbes Norris Award for his exceptional contributions to the management, care and research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND), a group of diseases in which the nerve cells that control muscles undergo degeneration and die, to the benefit of people living with the disease.

From Brigham and Women’s Hospital to SUNY Upstate Medical University and now at the Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Shefner has diagnosed and treated countless ALS/MND patients in the United States. His approach to patient care is holistic, integrating medical treatment, psychosocial support and active participation in clinical research.

Consistently championing best practices in patient care, Dr. Shefner guides residents, fellows and faculty to follow suit. His advocacy for research and quality improvement initiatives has significantly advanced multidisciplinary care for ALS/MND patients.

Patients universally praise Dr. Shefner’s empathy, confidence and compassionate demeanour. His commitment to spending ample time in clinic and ensuring patient needs are met reflect his genuine dedication to improving the quality of life for those affected by ALS/MND.

In the realm of ALS/MND research, Dr. Shefner’s impact is profound. His leadership roles in numerous Phase 2 & 3 clinical trials and pivotal contributions to outcome measure development have expanded clinical trial opportunities for ALS/MND patients.

Co-founding the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), Dr. Shefner has transformed ALS/MND clinical research globally, providing infrastructure and expertise that led to increased trial opportunities. Many promising therapies owe their development to the NEALS Consortium. His influence extends to shaping how ALS/MND care is delivered and outcomes are measured, bringing hope to patients in a historically challenging disease.

“Dr. Shefner’s tireless advocacy, compassion and dedication to ALS research have left an indelible mark. He is not only a transformative clinician and researcher but a mentor committed to developing the next generation of neuromuscular clinicians and researchers,” says his colleague Dr. Shafeeq Ladha, Ira A. and Mary Lou Fulton Chair in MND at the Barrow Neurological Institute.

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jeremy M. Shefner for his unwavering commitment to the ALS/MND community.

 

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian Award was inaugurated in 2000 by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations to recognize a non-scientific contribution to the fight against ALS/MND. The Humanitarian Award is intended to recognize and encourage individuals and/or groups whose work makes, or has made, a contribution of international significance for people affected by ALS/MND.

Submit a nomination for the 2024 Humanitarian Award by September 30

2023 Humanitarian Award Recipient

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations proudly announces Dr. Lucie Bruijn as the recipient of the 2023 Humanitarian Award, recognizing her unparalleled contributions to global research and advocacy on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND), a group of diseases in which the nerve cells that control muscles undergo degeneration and die, to enhance the quality of life of those affected. 

With a distinguished career spanning three decades, which included being Senior VP Research and Development and Chief Scientist of The ALS Association in the United States, Dr. Bruijn has played a pivotal role in advancing ALS/MND research globally. Her pioneering work includes the establishment of the ALS Association Research Program and the groundbreaking TREAT ALS initiative, setting new standards for translational research in ALS/MND.

Dr. Bruijn’s impact also includes early support for the Pre-fALS study, a longitudinal study of individuals potentially at risk for developing familial ALS/MND, which paved the way for the landmark ATLAS trial, a crucial step toward a world free of ALS/MND.

Beyond scientific achievements, Dr. Bruijn’s global approach was instrumental in fostering collaboration. Her collaborative spirit transcended borders, with initiatives that have shaped the global ALS/MND landscape and leveraged donor dollars for greater impact.

“Dr. Lucie Bruijn’s true resume on ALS/MND would be impossible to quantify,” remarks David Taylor, Vice President, Research & Strategic Partnerships, ALS Society of Canada. “Her fingerprints are on key discoveries and understandings that form the foundation of our current understanding of the disease.”

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Lucie Bruijn for her outstanding contributions to the ALS/MND community. The Humanitarian Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment.

 

Allied Health Professional Award

The Allied Health Professional Award was inaugurated in 2018 by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations to recognize an individual committed to providing exceptional care to people with ALS/MND; celebrate the sharing of expertise and exploration of new ideas to improve patient care; and recognize significant contribution to the advancement of ALS/MND clinical management.

Submit a nomination for the 2024 Allied Health Professional Award by September 30

2023 Allied Professional Award Recipient

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations is pleased to announce Dr. Deirdre Murray as the recipient of the prestigious Allied Health Professional Award for 2023. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Murray’s outstanding contributions to the global fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND), a group of diseases in which the nerve cells that control muscles undergo degeneration and die. 

Dr. Deirdre Murray, a Research Fellow and Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with ALS/MND. Her extensive work as a thought leader in advancing clinical and care management has earned her recognition among her peers as an expert in the field.

Key highlights of Dr. Murray’s exceptional contributions include her involvement in developing the “HSCP Deliver: Strategic Guidance Framework for Health and Social Care Professions 2021-2026” in Ireland. This framework not only articulates the collective potential of 26 health and social care professions but also outlines commitments and actions required to realize this potential.

In addition, Dr. Murray’s participated in the groundbreaking REVEALS study, a Europe-wide initiative led by clinician, researcher and research leader Orla Hardiman that significantly advanced our understanding of the impact of ALS/MND on breathing and respiratory muscle strength. The findings from this study will play a crucial role in identifying drugs to improve respiratory function.

As a driving force behind the development of the Irish Guidelines for The Physiotherapy Management of Motor Neuron Disease in 2014, Dr. Murray has consistently demonstrated her commitment to establishing best practices in ALS/MND care. Furthermore, in 2014, she co-founded an international ALS/MND physiotherapy and occupational therapist networking group, which continues to this day, to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals globally.

Dr. Murray’s dedication and passion for her work are not only evident in her numerous contributions to literature and research but also in her ability to ignite ideas and inspire her colleagues. Her impact extends far beyond the clinic, shaping the global ALS/MND community.

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations applauds Dr. Deirdre Murray for her exceptional service, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to the fight against ALS/MND. The Allied Health Professional Award is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding achievements.

 

Student Innovation Award

The Alliance created the new Student Innovation Award, which will be presented for the first time at the 2023 Alliance Conference. This award encourages ALS/MND exposure and awareness in the global student community, provides a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas to improve the quality of life of people living with ALS/MND, and drives innovation within the ALS/MND space.

Candidates for the Student Innovation Award must:

• have initiated and implemented work that will have an international impact on people living with ALS/MND;
• explored new and innovative ideas for improving quality of life of PALS that shows an understanding of PALS needs;
• have potential to be an achievable and accessible solution; and
• be a full-time student.

Submit a nomination for the 2024 Student Innovation Award by September 30

2023 Student Innovation Award Recipients

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations is thrilled to announce the winners of the first Student Innovation Award: Gauri Desai and Zineb Flahy, second-year Computer Science students at University College London. 

This award aims to spotlight exceptional projects that contribute to the international impact, exposure and awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND), a group of diseases in which the nerve cells that control muscles undergo degeneration and die. 

Gauri and Zineb’s project, a revolutionary eye-gaze solution, not only aligns with the outlined criteria but surpasses expectations. Designed for standard webcams on Windows machines, it introduces free-floating mouse movements and customizable dwell features, promising a transformative leap in accessibility technology.

The solution, a first-generation proof of concept, stands out for its exceptional optimization for speed and compatibility. It seamlessly integrates with a wide range of Windows configurations, spanning the last seven years, including Windows 10 and Celeron PCs. Its notable compatibility eliminates the need for high-end devices associated with major brands.

Beyond technological innovation, this project holds the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for people living with ALS/MND. By offering a free download for personal use and licensing through University College London, it addresses financial barriers associated with traditional eye gaze cameras.

Industry recognition has already followed Gauri and Zineb’s work, with presentations to organizations such as the BBC (UK), Microsoft, IBM and Chanel UK. The duo also showcased their project at the MND Think Tank conference at University College London, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize assistive technology.

In collaboration with Special Effect, an organization committed to accessibility in gaming, trials for MND users in the UK are imminent. These trials will not only benefit users but also provide valuable feedback for further enhancements and an increased reach.

The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations proudly honours Gauri and Zineb for their exceptional contribution to the ALS/MND community. Their groundbreaking work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration we strive to foster within our global network.

Experience the solution in action through a video available at www.tinyurl.com/mi33eyegaze.