The Rising Nova Award
Where new stars rise, hope grows
Secondary students in Canada | 500 word write up and a photo | Deadline June 30, 2026
A nova marks the birth of a new star. A burst of brilliance that lights the night sky.
The Rising Nova Award celebrates young people who are exploring new ideas in epilepsy research. It recognizes curiosity, creativity, and the drive to ask questions that could lead to change.
This award was first presented in 2025 and continues to highlight what is possible when young minds are supported.
You do not need a lab
|
You do not need experience
|
You just need an idea
|
You do not need a lab | You do not need experience | You just need an idea |
WHAT COULD YOU CREATE?
Your submission could be:
An idea or concept
A problem you want to solve
An early stage research idea
A creative or practical solution
HOW TO APPLY
Write up to 500 words about your idea
Include a photo of yourself, your concept, or your work
Send it to epilepsy@epilepsy.ca
Submit by June 30, 2026
It does not have to be perfect. It just has to start.
WHY IT MATTERS
1 in 100 Canadians lives with epilepsy.
There is still so much to understand about why seizures happen and how to prevent them.
New ideas help move research forward and improve safety and quality of life.
Your idea could be part of that.
If you are a student with an idea, this is where it starts.
Start with a question.
BIG IDEAS CAN START ANYWHERE
Meet Syd West
At just 16, Syd designed specialized glasses to help reduce seizures triggered by flashing lights.
Her idea has gained national recognition and is now being showcased on the world stage.
Syd was the first recipient of the Rising Nova Award and shows what can happen when curiosity meets purpose.