BNOS and Brain Tumour Research are pleased to once again invite applications for the Young Investigator Award. Applicants should be early career researchers who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of neuro-oncology in the UK.
The recipient of the award will be invited to speak during a dedicated session at the BNOS Annual Conference in Birmingham 1-3 July 2026, for which their conference fees will be waived or refunded. They will also receive a cash prize of £2,000 which is intended to assist with the costs of attending one (or more) other neuro-oncology conferences. Plus, for the first time, the winner will receive a trophy to keep and will have their name added to the Young Investigator Award major trophy that bears the names of all previous winners.
Who can apply?
- Early career researchers (within 5 years equivalent of receiving their PhD (taking into account any periods of parental leave and part-time working)), PhD students, post-doctoral researchers or research fellows*
- Clinical or basic science candidates welcome
- You will need to be UK-based at the time of application
*This list is not exhaustive. If you are not sure whether you are eligible to apply, please email liz@bnos.org.uk to enquire
“‘I am very grateful to the BNOS Young Investigator Award for the chance to attend the Society of Neuro‑Oncology Annual Meeting in Honolulu! This year I presented two posters – including my very first as senior author, a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. The sessions were packed with inspiring talks across adult and paediatric brain tumour research, making every mile of the journey worthwhile. I really appreciate the opportunity to attend such an insightful meeting and to talk to others in the field.”
Dr Phoebe McCrorie, Young Investigator of the Year 2025
Read more about our previous winners
How to apply:
You will need to submit:
- A one-page summary of your research and its impact in neuro-oncology (Arial font, size 12)
- Copies of your most important and relevant papers. We are unable to accept papers in preparation or submitted and under peer review as evidence of output
- A summary CV of no more than 3 sides of A4, including publications and prizes
Applications should be submitted via email to Liz@bnos.org.uk with the subject line ‘YIA 2026’ by midnight Monday 2 March 2026.
Applications will be assessed anonymously by an Awards Panel, comprised of BNOS Council members and a representative from Brain Tumour Research. The successful candidate will be notified by 30 March 2026.
Please note:
- We will only award applicants of a suitably high standard at the correct stage of their career
- The award is not open to candidates on substantive contracts or salaried University staff i.e. Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer or Consultant NHS staff
With grateful thanks to Brain Tumour Research for their generous joint sponsorship of this award.
Updated: January 2026