Nanna MacAulay receives LF Scientific Enrichment Prize 2023
For most science prizes, the primary focus tends to be on research findings. However, the Lundbeck Foundation Scientific Enrichment Prize also celebrates the ability to enrich research through diversity. It is awarded to an individual who takes – or has taken – the lead in promoting diversity as a means of generating important new research results. It recognises those who have enriched research environments by integrating diversity into their leadership.
Professor Nanna MacAulay has personality tests at the ready and an eye for diversity when putting together research teams. Her work testifies to the importance of different perspectives, methods, disciplines and personalities in the quest for scientific breakthroughs. The Professor has now been awarded the Lundbeck Foundation’s diversity award – the LF Scientific Enrichment Prize 2023.
Nanna’s keen eye for human differences and academic diversity, combined with a broad outlook and diverse scientific approaches to solving complex physiological questions in neuroscience, has taken her far and wide – including as the frontwoman of a PhD programme and a series of neuro seminars, according to Jan Egebjerg, Director of Research at the Lundbeck Foundation.
‘She bridges the gap between basic research and clinical practice in a unique way, both in her own research and in the networks she facilitates. Nanna has shown the way for many young scientists by creating a strong and diverse research environment that starts to grow when junior and senior researchers combine and create new links that transcend universities, hospitals and industries. She has turned NeuroGrad into a top three PhD programme, and in 2016 launched a popular seminar series that encompasses people from every corner of science, at different levels and from all disciplines,’ Egebjerg says.