Postgraduate Prize

Postgraduate Prize

I am thrilled to have been awarded the 2024 BNA Postgraduate Prize. Having presented my PhD plans at BNA 2021 during the pandemic, it is an honour to now be recognised for this work by the BNA committee. My thesis, 'Movement and Cognition in Autism and Parkinson’s Disease: Similarities, Points of Distinction, and Underlying Biological Mechanisms', was completed at the Centre for Human Brain Health (University of Birmingham). I am incredibly grateful to my supervisors, Prof. Jennifer Cook and Prof. Joseph Galea, for their unwavering guidance and encouragement throughout the PhD.
Dr. Lydia Hickman

Dr. Lydia Hickman

Each year, the BNA awards a postgraduate (£500) prize to postgraduate BNA members.

Applicants for the postgraduate prize must be current BNA members. The nomination and supporting documents may be sent by the student or nominator. 

To be eligible for the  postgraduate prize, candidates must have completed and submitted their thesis and had it approved (i.e. the PhD viva has taken place) within the 12 months preceding 31st October each year. We recognise that formal award of a PhD can take some time, and so we do not require that the PhD has been formally awarded in order to be eligible for the Prize. 

In order to apply, please submit the following documentation to office@bna.org.uk, and complete the online application form by 31st October:

  • Letter of nomination from the student’s supervisor
  • External examiner’s report or recommendation
  • Abstract of the thesis
  • Statement from the student highlighting the importance of the work in the thesis

It is also beneficial to include a list of publications and presentations at meetings that have arisen from the work, and an indication of current career intentions. 

Master's students are also eligible and can also submit a Master's project for the Postgraduate prize. However, please be aware that these will be judged following the same criteria as those for a PhD thesis. At present the BNA does not have a separate category for Master's students.

Postgraduate Prize Award

Submit your nomination here