Two researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have been named as winners of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Awards, the most prestigious honors given by the federal agency.

Ricardo Dolmetsch and James Chen were recognized for their work in brain research.

Three other Stanford faculty members won NIH New Innovator Awards: Zev Bryant, Shelli Kesler and Joseph Wu.

The institute announced 16 Pioneer Awards and 31 New Innovator Awards on Monday morning, Sept. 22.

The Pioneer Awards include $2.5 million to cover research costs over five years, while the New Innovator Awards include $1.5 million, also for research costs over five years.

"What makes Stanford so unique is the extraordinary talent of our faculty: They are intelligent, creative, innovative and visionary," Philip Pizzo, dean of the School of Medicine, said. "Such a remarkable group of scientists helps create an environment that is exciting, and the insights that result for science and medicine are breathtaking."

Stanford faculty members have won 11 of the 63 Pioneer Awards that have been made. Both the Pioneer and Innovator awards are aimed to reward scientists who pursue unconventional research efforts that may not succeed.