As tradition dictates every year, the opening of the European Network for the Cure of ALS (ENCALS) marks the beginning of a new chapter for global science—and this year is no different. Directly from the leading symposium dedicated to finding a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the Paulo Gontijo Institute (IPG) officially announces the opening of applications for the 18th edition of the Paulo Gontijo Medicine Award (PG Award).

Throughout these 20 years of history, hosting 18 editions of the award solidifies it as one of the most enduring and respected pillars of incentive for ALS research on the international stage, connecting brilliant minds and driving discoveries at the very root of the pathology.

The core mission of the PG Award remains steadfast: to identify and honor young researchers who dedicate their efforts to deciphering the biological mysteries of one of the most complex diseases of the central nervous system. In an ecosystem where scientific investigation demands time, methodological rigor, and robust resources, the continuous funding promoted by IPG acts as the engine that transforms the urgency of families into real clinical progress. Every study awarded over these eighteen editions represents a vital brick in the building of science, just as the institution’s patron, Dr. Paulo Gontijo, always advocated.