Dr Mootaz Salman has been awarded the inaugural ALBA-Roche Research Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience in recognition of his exceptional contributions to neurodegenerative disease research and innovation. Supported by Roche and presented by the ALBA Network, this prestigious prize recognises outstanding research by mid-career scientists, whose work focuses on the nervous system and may improve our understanding of the causal mechanisms of brain diseases.
Professor Carmen Sandi (EPFL, Switzerland), co-chair of the ALBA-Roche Prize Selection Committee, commented, ‘Dr Salman emerged as the deserving recipient of this prize due to his transformative work in advancing our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of the prize is to promote inclusivity and recognition in the scientific community, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of neurological research and its potential impact on brain health.’
Professor Gilles Laurent (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany), co-chair of the ALBA-Roche Prize Selection Committee added, ‘Dr Salman's exceptional journey from Mosul to Oxford, via Sheffield Hallam and Harvard universities, coupled with his remarkable achievements, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists, highlighting the power of perseverance, resilience, and scientific brilliance in shaping the future of neuroscience.’
On receipt of his award, Dr Salman said, ‘Receiving the Inaugural ALBA-Roche Research Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience is a tremendous honour, and I am grateful for all the trailblazing scientists who inspired me and led by example in my early years, as well as my lab members, all the amazing colleagues, and others who I have been privileged to teach, collaborate with, and hopefully inspire. I think we’re only beginning to glimpse what organ-on-a-chip and humanised models can achieve in the field of neurodegeneration and neuroscience in general, and so this award is a huge motivation for me and my team to keep pushing forward our work in this area. Our work will hopefully provide new tools to understand lifelong brain health, describe the basis of blood-brain barrier (dys)function in the occurrence and development of dementia, and provide a platform to develop new treatments for neurodegeneration.’
The award was presented to Dr Mootaz Salman during the FENS Forum 2024 in Vienna, Austria, on Thursday, 27 June.
For additional information about the prize, please visit: https://www.alba.network/alba-roche-prize