RACHEL HORNE PRIZE FOR WOMEN'S RESEARCH IN MS
This international annual prize of US$40,000 recognises a woman scientist for her outstanding contribution to women's health-related research in multiple sclerosis
This prize is made possible by the generosity of the Horne Family Charitable Fund. The Horne family has been a supporter of multiple sclerosis (MS) research, along with educational and medical programmes, since 2010 when it was established following the death of Stuart Horne. It is administered by Aqueduct Foundation based in Vancouver, Canada.
About the Prize
Rachel Horne is a journalist and multiple sclerosis advocate who was diagnosed with MS in 2009.
As Rachel began researching the disease from a patient perspective, she realised that although women are three times more likely to live with MS compared to men, their specific health needs have been routinely overlooked. She also noticed female neurologists and scientists were consistently passed over when it came to winning awards in the MS scientific community.
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It wasn't hard to conclude that women are valued less than men - be it as an MS patient or as a researcher. That's why she decided to set up a prize to reward a woman scientist for her work in furthering our understanding of women's health issues and treatment strategies in MS.
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"By creating this award, I want to say to all the women researching this complex, challenging disease - you matter, you make a difference. So thank you."
Rachel Horne
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Because when she wins, all women with MS win.
Overview
The Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS honours outstanding contributions to research in the understanding and treatment of women's specific health issues in MS.
Each year the winner is chosen by a panel of senior members of the International Women in MS (iWiMS) and is presented with the prize at the annual European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) conference in the autumn.
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The recipient of this annual award receives:
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US$40,000 prize to be used at the recipient's discretion
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Complimentary registration at the next ECTRIMS meeting
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Reimbursement for attending the meeting, travel and three days' meals and accommodation expenses
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The winner will be expected to present their work. This may include a virtual presentation to an international audience in one of the many iWiMS global remote meetings or in-person meetings such as ECTRIMS.
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The prize is a programme of Aqueduct Foundation, a Canadian registered charity.
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Presentation of 2025 Rachel Horne Prize to Dr Kristen Krysko at the 41st Congress of ECTRIMS in Barcelona, Spain, September 2025.
Rachel Horne, Dr Kristen Krysko
Photo © ECTRIMS 2025
Criteria & Application
Applications for the Rachel Horne Prize open on
Sunday 8 March 2026.
The 2026 international annual award recognises a leading female scientist for their outstanding contribution to women's health-related research in MS.
ELIGIBILITY:
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MD or PhDs
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Applicants must have worked for more than 15 years at Assistant Professor level and, at the time of the application, hold the title of Associate Professor or Professor (evidence to be submitted during application)
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Applicants must commit to record a special episode on the ECTRIMS podcast should they win the award. This will be recorded onsite at the ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS meeting in Toronto and shared with congress delegates
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Applicants must commit to present their work should they win the award, including global remote meetings or face-to-face meetings organised by iWiMS
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Applicants must provide verifiable evidence if points of clarification are needed
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Applicants may self-nominate
APPLICATION PROCESS:​
Submissions are to be uploaded via the online portal by Friday 12 June 2026, 23.59pm EASTERN STANDARD TIME (CANADA & USA).
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The application consists of a two-page submission in English covering:
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the applicant's career context
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why they should be considered for the 2026 Prize
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what they have accomplished
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how they see the field evolving, and
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what are the next steps in MS research
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Strong emphasis should be given to the applicant's role and leadership in women's research, as well as their significant contribution to the field.
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Applications must declare the number of years post-PhD if they have a PhD, and the number of years in equivalent at assistant professor position.
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APPLICATION PEER-REVIEW​
The review panel of up to 5 members will include members of iWiMS executive committee and iWiMS members. Additional iWiMS members may be invited to peer-review.
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The winner of the 2026 Rachel Horne Prize will be announced in September and will be presented with the award at the 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS meeting in Toronto, Canada in October 2026.​
Winners
Partners
The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis is a non-profit, independent, representative European-wide organisation that serves as Europe's and the world's largest professional organisation dedicated to the understanding and treatment of MS.
Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis is a community of leaders from the United States and Canada who are dedicated to the treatment and research in MS and other demyelinating diseases. It focuses on knowledge dissemination, education and collaboration among disciplines.
The International Women in Multiple Sclerosis network unites clinicians and researchers committed to advancing scientific discoveries and improving care for people with MS and related disorders. Founded by women and supportive of all, iWiMS advocates for meritocracy, diversity, parity and ingenuity in MS research and patient care.
Endorsers
