·	NREF Leadership
·	Donor Recognition
·	Where The Money Goes

Attention AANS Members: You have been issued a $25,000 Challenge!

The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) in partnership with Kyphon Inc. is proud to announce the renewal of the Kyphon Challenge Grant for 2007. Kyphon Inc. has generously agreed to match one hundred percent (100%) of all donations to the NREF this year up to $25,000.

Illustrate your support and make a difference today. Renew and increase your previous donation or donate for the first time through the Kyphon $25,000 Challenge Grant. Kyphon’s grant will DOUBLE your donation!

About the NREF

In 1981, in response to the alarming rate at which federal and private funding for medical research was being slashed, the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) was established. Originally named the Research Foundation of the AANS, this foundation was the AANS's leadership's response to severe government research funding cutbacks, and as a way to ensure for the future of the Specialty through the development of new lifesaving techniques and other advances in the field.

Over the ensuing 25 years, the Foundation has established two grant programs to fulfill this need. Beginning in 1983, the first Research Fellowships were granted. This program provides research training for neurosurgeons who are preparing to dedicate their futures to the research and application of new scientific knowledge. Currently, the Research Fellowship is a two-year grant for $70,000 or a one-year grant of $40,000. Then in 1985, the Foundation added the Young Clinician Investigator Award (YCI) of $40,000 for one year. This program provides young faculty members funding for pilot studies, and to develop preliminary data to support applications for more permanent funding. The NREF encourages the submission of both patient-oriented clinical research and basic science research applications.

In late 1999, the Board of Directors of the AANS approved a new name for the Research Foundation: The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation, or NREF. This change reflects the expanded mission of thre NREF to be the specialty's principal entity committed to fund neurosurgical research, as well as a premier foundation that provides for the education and development of our next generation of neurosurgical researchers.

The mission of NREF is:

• To provide a private, non-governmental source of funding for research training in the neurosciences;
• To ensure continued viability and expansion of neurological surgery;
• To augment support for research endeavors; and
• To stimulate learning and enhanced educational opportunities.

Since its inception, the growth in the NREF support has lead to the granting of 111 awards. These awards bring the Foundation's outlay to neuroscientific research projects to nearly $4 million since 1983. The vast majority of the residents and young clinicians/researchers who have completed their scientific studies continue with research as a significant element in their professional lives.

NREF Brochure

The number of highly qualified research award applicants has also grown -- from 5 in 1985 to 40 in 2006. Applications for these awards are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee, which is comprised of highly respected neuroscientists. Each year, this committee makes its project recommendations based on the scientific merit and value of each proposal. Final funding decisions are made by the Executive Council of the NREF and are tied to the financial resources available for that year.

In response to the expanding need for additional research funds, the neuroscientific community has been asked, through an annual campaign, to step up their financial support of the NREF. It is expected that new giving options, including deferred giving opportunities, will lead to an increase in income for the Foundation. In 1995 a Corporate Associates Program was launched to encourage manufactures to contribute to this cause. Corporations supporting research fellowships through this program include DePuy Spine, Kyphon Inc., Medtronic Neurological, and W. Lorenz Surgical.