Preference is given to studies involving higher brain function such as the aspects of behaviour, thought, attention, decision making and rational insight, and cognitive visual system.
Special attributes are also considered such as a lack of deserved recognition, which is common in young scientists, and the potential for future important scientific revelations.
[3] The brain is a pedestal of ten inches high, held by a spinal cord-like stem that is fixed to a metal base.
The brain and base were fastened together, and a polished brass circle engraved with the awardee's name is mounted on the trophy.
The box is of eastern maple grown (Acer saccharum) in the Appalachians and is held together with splines of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) from Honduras, and is finished with a mixture of linseed oil and turpentine.