Richard P. Allen Lectureship
in Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Established in 2022 in memory of Richard P. Allen, Ph.D., the Richard P. Allen Lectureship Fund provides annual support for the keynote lecture of the Johns Hopkins Sleep and Circadian Research Day, an event that attracts more than 100 researchers and students from around the mid-Atlantic region, as well as the Richard P. Allen Trainee Award, which provides up to $1,500 to a trainee(s) to attend a sleep or circadian research conference of their choice.

The late Dr. Richard P. Allen was the founder and co-director of the sleep medicine program in the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, founder of the Center for Restless Legs Syndrome at Johns Hopkins, and one of the foremost scientists in the study of restless legs syndrome, spearheading groundbreaking discoveries regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, including the recognition of the genetic component of the disorder, long before it was widely accepted.

As a world-renowned sleep expert, he also published over 200 peer-reviewed articles on the topics of sleep disorders, including 70 that were written before he ever published his first paper on Restless Legs Syndrome in 1993. His significant contributions to the field earned him the Sleep Research Society Outstanding Sleep and Circadian Scientist Award in 2020.

Join us for the 9th Annual Johns Hopkins Sleep and Circadian Research Day to be held on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Daniel and Jephta Drachman Family Award Lecture

Established by Daniel Drachman, M.D., this annual competitive award and expert-in-residence experience honors neuroscientist researchers for their involvement in recent major innovations in neuroimmunology, neuromuscular neurology, or genetics. The visiting residency experience consists of various educational and engagement opportunities for faculty, trainees and staff of Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Department of Neurology. The capstone of the residency is a featured lecture presentation during the Department of Neurology’s weekly grand rounds.

The late professor emeritus of the Department of Neurology, Dr. Drachman was a pioneering figure in the field of neuromuscular diseases, and his wife, Jephta Drachman, a celebrated sculptor and community leader. Dr. Drachman, a distinguished authority on myasthenia gravis, played a pivotal role in establishing the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology and shaping its renowned neuromuscular program, of which he was chief for 30 years. Throughout his career, he mentored numerous clinical scientists and researchers, leaving an indelible mark on the field. Mrs. Drachman, known for her captivating sculptures, also made significant contributions as the president of the Shriver Hall Concert Series board from 1993 to 2013, enhancing the cultural landscape of the Homewood campus.

Nathan L. Cohen Neurology Resident Guest Lectureship

Established in 2011 by Suzanne F. Cohen, the Nathan L. Cohen Neurology Resident Guest Lectureship was created to educate the medical community about movement disorders and related neurological diseases, especially degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, including Parkinsonian disorders. The lecture takes place annually as a part of the Department of Neurology's Grand Rounds.

Nathan L. Cohen, the late husband of Suzanne F. Cohen, was a philanthropist, devoted family man, and community leader in Baltimore. A graduate of Lehigh University, where he double majored in engineering and physics, he went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Throughout his life, he served as vice president and director of the Pimlico Race Course, was a member of the Maryland Association of Realtors Committee, and sat on the board of the Park School of Baltimore.

The late Suzanne F. Cohen was a renowned philanthropist, Jewish communal leader and patron of the arts. She served as president of the Nathan & Suzanne Cohen Foundation and also served as chair and honorary trustee of the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Fund a Lectureship

If you would like information about establishing a lectureship in neurology or contributing to one of the existing endowed lectureship funds please contact us at [email protected].