Application deadlines six times per year:
February 1; April 1; June 1; August 1; October 1; December 1.

Ellen Luken Student Awards enable selected students to pursue prestigious and competitive extracurricular educational, career-building, and networking opportunities outside of the traditional, department-sponsored attendance at scientific meetings.

Ellen Luken served as Executive Director and President of the Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation, Inc., for more than 25 years. This award program honors her distinguished leadership and contributions to neuroscience by promoting excellence and expanding the horizons of student researchers. It is made possible through a partnership between the Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation, Inc. and the Shepard Broad Foundation.

Eligibility: PhD or MD/PhD students who work in the field of neuroscience in basic science or clinical departments in the Duke School of Medicine. Students should be in their third year of study or beyond; all areas of neuroscience will be considered, with particular encouragement to students whose work has relevance to neurodegeneration and, specifically, Alzheimer’s disease.

Students applying for funding must specify the extracurricular opportunity they will pursue, however, it is not necessary to have secured acceptance or admission before seeking an Ellen Luken Student Award. These awards may be approved conditionally with a commitment that the student will receive the funding upon final acceptance into the chosen opportunity.

Awards: Typically, awards will not exceed $1,500 and may be used to support expenses such as registration or course fees, travel and lodging, course or presentation materials, and related costs.

The award requires a brief written report of what was learned and how the awardee benefitted from the program within 30 days of completing the opportunity.

To apply please submit the online application form with the following information:

• A half-page description of the extracurricular opportunity you wish to pursue, addressing how it will advance your education and research in the area of neuroscience and, if relevant, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Include the dates of the extracurricular program and the status of your application to participate/attend.
• A brief (one paragraph or less) description of the expenses that this award would cover.
• Curriculum Vitae

The award committee will review requests six times per year, shortly after each deadline.

Submit an online application for the Ellen Luken Student Award