Shaping the Future of Neuroscience: 2025 BNA Awards Celebrated
The British Neuroscience Association (BNA) is proud to recognise, promote, and support excellence in neuroscience through a range of annual awards and prizes. We are delighted to announce the 2025 BNA Award winners, each recognised for their exceptional achievements and impact on the neuroscience community.
This year’s prize-giving ceremony took place on 9th December at the BNA Festive Symposium in Canary Wharf, where we honoured winners across four award categories: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Public Engagement, and Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience.
Undergraduate Award: Jaya Sharma – BSc Neuroscience at the University of Leeds
The Undergraduate Award goes to Jaya for her exceptional final-year project in computational cognitive neuroscience, as part of her BSc Neuroscience studies at the University of Leeds. Jaya combined EEG data with advanced AI techniques to investigate neural activity underlying perceptual learning, producing a dissertation of remarkable originality, technical skill, and scientific maturity.
Her project not only demonstrated outstanding independent research ability but has also contributed findings set to be included in an upcoming peer-reviewed publication.
Jaya has this year begun a Master's degree in Cognitive Neuroimaging and Data Science (CNDS) at the University of Birmingham, and we're looking forward to her continuing her achievements there.
This award feels like a milestone. It marks the culmination of years of dedication and the start of my journey as an emerging neuroscientist. I’m grateful that my work has been recognised - it means so much.
Postgraduate Award: Ieva Andrulyte – Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool
Ieva receives the Postgraduate Award for her groundbreaking thesis exploring hemispheric language dominance and brain connectivity. Using diffusion-weighted MRI and advanced computational analysis, her research reveals new understanding of how atypical language lateralisation influences brain networks and cognitive function.
By integrating large datasets with state-of-the-art imaging techniques, Ieva’s work addresses long-standing gaps in the field and provides insights that will inform both future theories of brain function and clinical practice.
This award feels like a milestone. It marks the end of four and a half years of really hard work, and the beginning of me stepping into myself as an independent neuroscientist. It’s a reminder that what I’ve been doing actually matters, and that’s incredibly meaningful to me.
Public Engagement Award: Liverpool Neuroscience Group
The Liverpool Neuroscience Group is recognised with the Public Engagement Award for their innovative Bring Your Own Brain (BYOB) programme. Delivered on a modest budget by volunteers from three universities, BYOB reached audiences across Liverpool through hands-on workshops, science busking, and public talks.
The initiative provided valuable engagement opportunities for early career researchers and forged long-lasting partnerships with local charities and community organisations - leaving a meaningful legacy of accessible, inclusive neuroscience outreach.
The award was collected on behalf of the Liverpool Neuroscience Group by Dr Susannah Walker, Chair of the group, who commented:
I am delighted that the Liverpool Neuroscience Group’s Bring Your Own Brain team have been awarded the BNA Public Engagement Prize 2025. The team put time, effort, and passion into delivering an engaging, entertaining, and inclusive public programme in the lead up to BNA2025. We had a lot of fun doing it, and it is wonderful to be recognised with this prize.
Read Dr Walker’s reflective article in Brain and Neuroscience Advances: The power of public engagement: Reflections on Bring Your Own Brain 2025.
Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience Award: Professor Sarah Tabrizi
This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience Award is presented to long-standing BNA member Professor Sarah Tabrizi, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field and her leadership in advancing research into Huntington’s disease.
Her work continues to shape international efforts to understand, treat, and ultimately transform the outlook for people affected by Huntington’s disease. Read more about Professor Tabrizi's award.
Celebrating excellence across the BNA community
Reflecting on the awards, the BNA President Professor Narender Ramnani said:
The calibre of science showcased by our award winners demonstrates the remarkable talent within the BNA community. Their achievements exemplify the excellence, innovation, and commitment that continue to drive UK neuroscience forward.
The BNA Awards aim to celebrate those who make exceptional contributions to neuroscience, whether through research, innovation, education, or public engagement. We warmly congratulate all of this year’s winners.
How to apply for BNA Awards
Interested in applying for a BNA Award or nominating a colleague? Find full details of each award's eligibility criteria, timelines and guidance here.
