Applications open 30 September 2026

The Toxnet Award 2027/2028

Applications for the 2026/2027 Toxnet Award for the most promising* clinician in spasticity management open on 30 September 2026. The award recognises the most promising clinicians in spasticity management who are making an early impact through clinical practice, research and medical education.
 
As we launch this new award cycle, we are delighted to congratulate Dr Mirko Filippetti, recipient of the inaugural 2025/2026 Toxnet Award, established in memoriam of  Susana Moraleda). Dr Filippetti was recognised for his commitment to advancing spasticity management through clinical practice, education and scientific contribution. 
 
We were delighted by the exceptional quality of applications received for the inaugural Toxnet Award. The standard was extremely high, reflecting the wealth of emerging talent within the field of spasticity management. We warmly encourage previous applicants who were not selected to apply again this year, as continued professional development and new achievements may further strengthen an already outstanding application.
 
Applications open: 30 September 2026
Submission deadline: 30 September 2027
Prize: €5,000 educational support (provided by Merz Therapeutics GmbH) towards a preceptorship with a Toxnet member.
*Applications are invited from medical doctors with less than 10 years’ experience specialising in spasticity management.
Improving outcomes, advancing science

About the Award

The Toxnet Award aims to recognise individuals in the early to mid stage of their career in spasticity management (less than 10 years specialising in spasticity management) who are already making an impact in medical science, clinical practice or medical education. It is an opportunity to highlight innovative work, encourage future leaders and inspire excellence within the spasticity community.

A female doctor is typing her submission for the Toxnet Award
Improving outcomes, advancing science

Submission requirements

Applications must be submitted via the online application form and should include:

A. Information about the applicant
B. Education and training
C. Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honours
D. Current working environment
E. Overview of scholarly work (e.g. Research, teaching, podium presentations)
F. Overview of clinical work
G. Endorsement by senior colleague

The selection committee will be made up of 4-5 Toxnet members who will evaluate the submissions using a defined scoring system.

Awards benefits

The recipient will receive:

*Every effort will be made to accommodate the recipient’s preferred preceptorship location.

The Toxnet Award 2026 being presented by Gerard Francisco and Thierry Deltombe, co-chairs of Toxnet, to the winner, Dr Mirko Filippetti at ISPRM in Vancouver.

Timeline

Applications open: 30 September 2026
Submission deadline: 30 September 2027
Award presentation: ISPRM 2028, Milan, Italy

We encourage all eligible clinicians to submit their application and share the work they are doing to advance spasticity management. The Toxnet Award provides an opportunity to gain international recognition, learn from leading experts through a dedicated preceptorship, and become part of the next generation of leaders in the field.

© 2026 ToxNet. All Rights Reserved.

Supported by Merz Therapeutics GmbH

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Award scoring criteria

The following criteria will be judged out of a score of 5; (1 is suboptimal; 2 is adequate; 3 is good; 4 is very good; 5 is excellent)

GENERAL

  • Days per week working in spasticity management
  • Average number of unique spasticity patient encounters per month (by the individual)
  • Description of spasticity clinical team & management activities and (numbers, specialities etc)
  • Role of responsibility in managing patients with spasticity
  • Scientific appointments in spasticity
  • Honours for work undertaken in spasticity

SCHOLARLY

  • Number of research projects investigating relevant aspects of spasticity management (involvement)
  • Impact of research projects investigating relevant aspects of spasticity management
  • Number of peer-reviewed publications on topic
    Number of presentations of research at international meetings
  • Number of posters/presentations at local and national conferences
  • Teaching/mentorship of younger injectors
  • h-index

CLINICAL

  • Evidence of development or growth of a spasticity program at the applicant’s practice or institution
  • Breadth of services provided, including medications, toxins, physical interventions, and Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB)
  • Role of responsibility in managing patients with spasticity

ENDORSEMENT

  • Endorsed by senior peer

In the event of a tie, based on the above scoring criteria, the Toxnet Co-Chairs will make the final decision.