Early-career ALS scientist wins first MDA Research Momentum Award
UNLV researcher working to better understand disease's underlying mechanisms
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- A UNLV professor has won the inaugural MDA Research Momentum Award for his work in ALS.
- The scientist's research focuses on molecular genetics, aiming to better understand the mechanisms underlying neuromuscular disease.
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association created the award to support early-career scientists.
An assistant professor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, whose work focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been named the first recipient of the MDA Research Momentum Award, a new honor from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for early-career scientists.
According to an MDA press release announcing the inaugural award, researcher Łukasz Sznajder, PhD, is being “recognized for his pioneering work in molecular genetics.” His efforts have led to a better understanding of the processes underlying ALS and other neuromuscular disorders, per the MDA.
The new award is designed to honor — within five years of their first faculty appointment — professors whose innovative research, leadership, and engagement are shaping the future of neuromuscular research.
“I am deeply honored and excited to receive the MDA Research Momentum Award,” Sznajder said. “This recognition highlights the importance of fundamental research on disease biology, which advances meaningful progress toward care and a cure for patients and their families.”
Sznajder will receive the award during the 2026 MDA Clinical and Scientific Conference, the largest global gathering of the neuromuscular community, which will take place March 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.
In neuromuscular diseases, advances in understanding the biological processes that drive disease are essential for developing more precise and effective therapies, according to the nonprofit advocacy association. Sznajder has been looking at molecular genetics to better understand these mechanisms in ALS and other neuromuscular and neuropsychiatric disorders.
MDA Research Momentum Award honors ’emerging leaders’
His work has led to the development of new research models, the identification of previously unrecognized components of disease mechanisms, and the discovery of potential disease biomarkers — all of which could help advance future therapeutic strategies, according to the MDA.
Sznajder’s career has spanned nearly two decades of research in the U.S. and Poland, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications and sustained funding from federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Early-career investigators are driving some of the most exciting advances in neuromuscular research. … The MDA Research Momentum Award … reflects our commitment to investing in the future of discovery.
According to the MDA, the new award will also recognize emerging leadership and active engagement within the neuromuscular research community.
“The MDA Research Momentum Award reflects our commitment to investing not only in today’s breakthroughs, but in the scientists who will drive the next generation of discovery,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, MDA’s president and CEO. “By recognizing emerging leaders at this pivotal stage in their careers, we are helping build a stronger, more collaborative future for neuromuscular research.”
Angela Lek, PhD, the MDA’s chief research officer, added that “early-career investigators are driving some of the most exciting advances in neuromuscular research.”
“The MDA Research Momentum Award recognizes scientists whose innovation, leadership, and engagement signal lasting impact and reflects our commitment to investing in the future of discovery for the neuromuscular community,” Lek said.
The new momentum award complements the organization’s Legacy Awards, which honor established leaders in clinical research and community impact. This year’s Legacy Awards recipients will be presented at the opening session of the annual conference.
