H.R.H The Crown Prince of Denmark presents the world’s most prestigious brain research prize to top scientists
Six of the world’s best neuroscientists were honoured at a double award ceremony in Copenhagen on Monday evening. The world’s largest prize for brain research, The Brain Prize, was awarded to the 2020 and 2021 prizewinners and presented by Denmark’s Crown Prince. For the first time, there was a Dane among the recipients of the prestigious “brain prize”, which is worth DKK 10 million (approximately EUR 1.34 million) and awarded by the Lundbeck Foundation.
‘The Brain Prize is the world’s largest prize honouring neuroscientists, and it’s Danish. It’s a huge pleasure yet again to be able to gather the world’s leading brain researchers, new and former prizewinners, esteemed sponsors and guests from the world of health research for the highlight of the Lundbeck Foundation year: the celebration and presentation of The Brain Prize. Each of the 2020 and 2021 winners are pioneers in their own fields, and their impressive work bears witness to the immense range of brain research – spanning from major endemic diseases, such as migraine, to rare disorders, such as Rett syndrome,’ says Lene Skole, CEO, Lundbeckfonden.
THE BRAIN PRIZE 2020: SJÆLDENT HJERNESYNDROM KORTLAGT
With their pioneering research, Professors Huda Zoghbi and Professor Sir Adrian Bird have mapped Rett, a rare, genetic brain syndrome that primarily affects girls in early childhood.
‘Their basic research has given us a completely new understanding of rare, genetic developmental disorders such as Rett. The prizewinners have made it possible for doctors to diagnose Rett syndrome early, using a gene test. And that’s a tremendous help to both patients and the affected families. It gives us hope that, one day, we may be able to cure patients with Rett,’ says Jan Egebjerg, Director of Research at the Lundbeck Foundation.
This is why the two neuroscientists are receiving the 2020 Brain Prize.
THE BRAIN PRIZE 2021: MIGRAINE PIONEERS COULD CHANGE THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE
Four of the world’s leading headache researchers, Michael Moskowitz (USA), Peter Goadsby (AUS/UK), Lars Edvinsson (SE) and Jes Olesen (DK) have spent 40 years making landmark advances in our knowledge about headache disorders. They are receiving the 2021 Brain Prize for changing the world’s view of migraine and for their research into the novel signal molecule, CGRP, and its biological mechanism, which can trigger migraine attacks. Their breakthrough led to the development of revolutionary treatments which are now able to help millions of patients with chronic migraine all around the world.
Learn more about their pioneering research on migraine.
‘This year’s prizewinners have achieved something as rare as advancing their research all the way from basic research on key, biological mechanisms, and they’ve also contributed to the development of ground-breaking treatment in the clinic. Their research has paved the way for novel, efficacious treatments for migraine and given a great many migraine sufferers hope of a pain-free future. But research into migraine and other brain disorders is far from over and done with. The outcomes and breakthroughs of the prizewinners will hopefully inspire many of the younger generations to continue the research and provide novel insights into the complex and fantastic organ that is our brain,’ says Jan Egebjerg.
DENMARK’S CROWN PRINCE AND MINISTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENCE HONOUR THE PRIZEWINNERS
The award ceremony and festivities took place at Villa Copenhagen in Denmark’s capital on Monday evening, in the presence of Denmark’s Crown Prince and newly appointed Minister for Higher Education and Science, Jesper Petersen (of the Social Democratic party).
Jesper Petersen highlighted the significance of The Brain Prize, as well as brain research in general, for Denmark:
‘Brain research may seem like an abstract concept to many, but the winners of The Brain Prize help demonstrate that it’s relevant to most of us. Migraine and brain disorders are a serious burden for sufferers, their relatives and society alike. Lots of us are either affected ourselves or have family members who suffer. The Brain Prize celebrates scientific breakthroughs that offer hope to patients all over the world. And although science does not recognise borders, I’m proud that we have a Danish winner for the first time ever. Jes Olesen and his team are proof of the fact that Denmark is at the very forefront of health research and world-class life science. And the Danish government is investing heavily in Denmark retaining this position – for the benefit of both patients and our business sector,’ says Jesper Petersen, Minister for Higher Education and Science.
ABOUT THE BRAIN PRIZE
The world’s largest prize for brain research is Danish. It is called The Brain Prize and is awarded once a year to one or more researchers who have made an unprecedented contribution to our knowledge about the brain. This includes research into health and diseases of all aspects of the brain, and in all disciplines – from basic neuroscience to applied clinical research.
The organisation behind prize is the Lundbeck Foundation: Denmark's largest private funder of brain research. It is the Foundation’s ambition to enhance Denmark's global position in the field of brain research, and this was the reason for establishing the prize in 2010. The prize is accompanied by a monetary award of DKK 10 million (approximately EUR 1.34 million).
The Brain Prize is a tribute to individuals from all corners of the world who devote their brains to helping ours. However, it’s aim is also to raise awareness of a research field as infinite as the universe itself – and no less fundamentally important to explore. Because the brain’s complexity is matched only by its potential.
