Chandigarh:- Dr. Parth Lal, a DM trainee in Pediatric Neurology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has brought international recognition to the institute and Indian pediatric neurology by becoming the first Indian recipient of the prestigious 2025 Pediatric Neurology Trainee Award. The award recognises an outstanding original research article authored by a trainee in pediatric neurology. The selection process considers the scientific significance, methodological rigour, quality and innovation of the research.
Dr. Parth received the honour for his research titled “NitRIS Trial,” published in Pediatric Neurology. The study provided proof-of-concept evidence for the potential effectiveness of nitrazepam in children with Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS), a challenging form of epilepsy in infancy that can be difficult to treat. His work explores a potential therapeutic option for this condition, for which timely and effective treatment is particularly important. The scientific relevance of the research has been further highlighted by an accompanying editorial written by members of the journal’s editorial board.
The award was presented today at the 2026 Child Neurology Society Meeting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, recognising Dr. Parth’s scientific contribution on an international platform. Expressing his gratitude, he credited the research environment, guidance and support provided by the Department of Pediatrics for this achievement.
Earlier, in December 2025, Dr. Parth Lal received the Suzanne and Peter Berry International Travel Award from the American Epilepsy Society (AES). Selected from more than 1,500 international submissions, he was one of only two young investigators worldwide to receive this prestigious recognition, underscoring the global significance of his research.
These achievements highlight the valuable contributions that young clinician-scientists can make through rigorous, innovative and clinically relevant research. They also underscore PGIMER’s continued commitment to nurturing emerging researchers and advancing scientific understanding and treatment options for children affected by challenging neurological disorders.
