Home | Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF)

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Welcome to the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) Home Page

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 leadership's response to severe government research funding cutbacks, and as a way to ensure for the future of the Specialty through research.

Both public and private entities actively fund scientific research. However, the most prominent public supporter, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), does not have a funding category for technical or surgical innovations, which is how most neurosurgical research is classified. Therefore, this type of research is conducted almost solely in the private sector.

Over the ensuing 27 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.

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.

Co-Sponsored Grants

The NREF is proud to offer co-sponsored research grants including, but not limited to, the following:

• ACS-AANS/NREF Faculty Career Development Award
• NREF/American Academy of Neurosurgical Surgery (AAcNS) Research Grant - NEW!
• NREF-AANS/CNS Cerebrovascular Section Research Grant – NEW!
• NREF-AANS/CNS Spine & Peripheral Nerves Section Young Clinician Award
• NREF/Pinnacle Partners in Neurosurgery Research Grant

The applications are reviewed by the NREF's Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC is comprised of twelve (12) highly respected and experienced neuroscientists, from many of neurosurgery’s sub-specialty areas. Each year, this committee reviews all applications and makes 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. Funding for NREF supported research grants is possible thanks to generous contributions from AANS members, groups, hospitals, private medical practices, corporate partners and the general public.

The number of highly qualified NREF research applicants has substantially increased since 1981 and continues to grow from year to year. The financial resources available each year is determined through voluntary public donations received by the NREF.

In response to the expanding need for additional research funds, the neuroscientific community has been asked, through an annual campaign, to deepen their financial commitments to the NREF. Additional giving options including the Celebrate a Life Memorial and Tribute program and charitable giving opportunities such as bequests, trusts, life insurance policies and real estate, will lead to increased income for the Foundation. The more support the NREF receives, the more grants the Foundation will be able to award each year.

In 1995, a Corporate Associates Program was launched to encourage medical device manufactures and pharmaceutical companies to contribute to this cause. Corporations supporting research fellowships through this program include Biomet Microfixation, Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson companyDePuy Spine, a Johnson & Johnson company, Kyphon Inc., and Porex Surgical.

The NREF will continue to proactively address the ever-expanding need for research grant support in the most cost efficient and effective manner possible.

Your help is needed to expand the innovative research that will make a difference in the lives of thousands, by investing in the NREF.

Click here to make your donation to the NREF today.

If you would like more information about NREF, please continue to view this Web site or contact the Development department at (847) 378-0500.