New York, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today announced Łukasz Sznajder, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), as the first recipient of the MDA Research Momentum Award, a new honor recognizing early-career investigators whose innovative, high-impact research is shaping the future of neuromuscular disease science. The award will be presented during the 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, taking place March 8–11, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, where MDA convenes the global neuromuscular disease community to share breakthroughs, foster collaboration, and accelerate progress across research, care, and advocacy.
“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, President and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “By recognizing emerging leaders at this pivotal stage in their careers, we are helping build a stronger, more collaborative future for neuromuscular research.”
The MDA Research Momentum Award celebrates rising scientists within five years of their first faculty appointment who demonstrate exceptional promise through scientific originality, emerging leadership, and meaningful engagement with the neuromuscular research community. Dr. Sznajder is being recognized for his pioneering work in molecular genetics focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying neuromuscular and neuropsychiatric disorders — including myotonic dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others — with the goal of advancing new targeted therapeutic approaches.
“I am deeply honored and excited to receive the MDA Research Momentum Award,” said Łukasz Sznajder, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor at UNLV. “The Muscular Dystrophy Association has a profound impact on advancing neuromuscular research. It continues to foster an environment in which science thrives and tackles complex challenges. The MDA support was fundamental to my discoveries, enabling the development of new models to study disease biology and therapeutic approaches, the identification of previously missing components of disease mechanisms, and the discovery of novel disease biomarkers. 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.”
In addition to scientific innovation, Dr. Sznajder has shown strong momentum toward independent leadership through collaboration, mentorship, and participation in MDA-supported programs and initiatives that strengthen the neuromuscular research ecosystem. His work builds on nearly two decades of research conducted in the United States and Poland, with 19 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, Nucleic Acids Research, and PNAS, and sustained funding from federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
“Early-career investigators are driving some of the most exciting advances in neuromuscular research,” said Angela Lek, PhD, Chief Research Officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “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.”
The MDA Research Momentum Award complements the MDA Legacy Awards, which honors established leaders in clinical research and community impact, emphasizes MDA’s dedication to supporting excellence across the full continuum of scientific leadership. Together, these awards underscore the role of the MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference as a premier platform for recognizing innovation, collaboration, and progress in the neuromuscular disease field.
To register for the 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, click here.
About the MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the convener of the largest global gathering of the neuromuscular disease community – the MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference – serving as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The four-day international event will bring together renowned researchers, clinicians, affiliated health care providers, academicians, advocates, and industry leaders to explore the latest advances in the field of neuromuscular disease. Last year’s MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference included over 2,500 attendees (2,000 in-person; 500 virtual) from 41 countries with 8 specialized tracks, 39 sessions, 207 speakers, 56 exhibitors, 18 industry sponsored forums, 236 in-person posters, 379 virtual posters, 56 oral poster presentations, and 20 patient advocacy organizations exhibiting (with 37 organizations participating in the NMAC meeting).
Sponsors
MDA extends its appreciation to the premier sponsors whose support helps bring the neuromuscular community together at the 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference, including:
Strength of Life: argenx, Biogen, BridgeBio, Novartis
Circle of Strength: ITF Therapeutics, REGENEXBIO, Scholar Rock
Media inquiries, contact press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Attachments
Mary Fiance, Vice President, Strategic Communications Muscular Dystrophy Association press@mdausa.org
