Neuroscience Communication

This new BNA award is designed to celebrate and amplify the voices of those who help make neuroscience more accessible, inclusive, and impactful beyond the scientific community.

The Brenda Walker Award for Neuroscience Communication celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the public understanding, accessibility, or representation of neuroscience. The award recognises the importance of inclusive and meaningful communication beyond the scientific community, honouring those who help wider audiences connect with neuroscience through storytelling, advocacy, lived experience, creative projects, or public engagement.

The award is named in honour of Brenda Walker, a dedicated BNA Associate Member and advocate for accessible neuroscience communication. Brenda has made significant contributions to the BNA community through her writing, public engagement, and advocacy following her diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). Her commitment to amplifying patient perspectives and improving understanding of neurological conditions reflects the values at the heart of this award.

Open to BNA Associate Members, science communicators, individuals with lived experience of neurological or psychiatric conditions, and members of the public, the award highlights the diverse voices shaping conversations around brain health and neuroscience today.

Prize

The recipient will be recognised by the British Neuroscience Association through a featured profile on the BNA website, with their work promoted across the BNA's newsletters and social media channels to inspire and celebrate excellence in neuroscience communication.

Proposed Eligibility

This award is open to:

BNA Associate Members
Non-members who fit the Associate Member criteria (meaning you have an interest in neuroscience but do not work or research in the field in a professional capacity)

Applicants should fit one or more of the following descriptions:

Non-scientists and science communicators (e.g., teachers, artists, or media professionals)
Individuals with lived experience of neurological or psychiatric conditions (including patients, carers, or family members)
Anyone who has demonstrably influenced how neuroscience is communicated, represented, or understood by the public

The closing date for the 2026 Neuroscience Communication Award is 31st October every year. The award will be presented at the BNA Festive Symposium in December.