The crisis in children’s mental health takes many forms. Stigma. Barriers to care. Slow progress on the science we need to develop new treatments. 

Investing in the scientific leaders of tomorrow will accelerate discovery and transform children’s lives. 

The Rising Scientist Awards, presented in partnership with Hunter College, are given annually to outstanding high school students who show exceptional promise in research areas related to mental health. Awards are presented at our annual On the Shoulders of Giants scientific symposium on October 4, 2022. The Child Mind Institute invites high school educators to nominate candidates entering their senior year in the Fall of 2022 for this honor.

To be selected for the Rising Scientist Awards a student must demonstrate:

• Outstanding interest and achievement in psychology, neuroscience or biomedical engineering research
• Strong academic performance in science courses
• Participation in related extracurricular activities
• Scientific research studies or independent research in one of the three areas of focus

Each Rising Scientist will receive:

• A $2,000 scholarship for college expenses
• An opportunity to share his or her research at the Child Mind Institute’s annual On the Shoulders of Giants Scientific Symposium, attended by world-class scientists (to be held virtually on October 4, 2022)
• Recognition at an awards ceremony following the symposium, which is attended by VIP guests, including the Child Mind Institute’s Sarah Gund Distinguished Scientist. The 2022 Distinguished Scientist Awardee is Margaret McCarthy, PhD, Chair, Department of Pharmacology; Director for the Program in Neuroscience (PIN) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 
• Invitations to attend a special educational event with representatives from the Child Mind Institute’s research programs and to shadow a Child Mind Institute researcher for a day.
• Recognition in press releases distributed to national media outlets, on childmind.org and in social media promotion

We encourage nominations for high school students from groups that have faced historical barriers. We are committed to advancing science that represents all by recognizing and supporting the achievements of those from diverse backgrounds. 

The nomination period for the 2022 program runs April 4 through July 5, 2022. For more information about the program or nomination guidelines, see the Frequently Asked Questions page or email risingscientists@childmind.org.