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

Attention AANS Members: you rose to the $25,000 Challenge! The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) in partnership with Kyphon Inc. is proud to announce the success of its 2007-2008 Kyphon Challenge Grant. Again this year, Kyphon Inc. generously agreed to match one hundred percent (100%) of all new and increased donations to the NREF this year up to $25,000. Thank you for illustrating your support for the NREF this year! Your new and increased donations between November 6, 2007 and February 25, 2008 helped us meet the match! Thank you again to Kyphon Inc. — your support again this year truly made a difference!

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.

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.

New in 2007, the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves and the NREF are pleased to announce the establishment of a new co-sponsored NREF/Spine Section Young Clinician Investigator Award. Young Clinician Investigator Award applications are accepted in all neurosurgical areas. However, to be awarded the co-sponsored NREF/Spine and Peripheral Nerve Section Young Clinician Investigator Award the research application must be in the area of spinal cord, vertebral column or peripheral nerve disorders.

The NREF is pleased to announce the partnership with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). New in 2007, the ACS/NREF Faculty Career Development Award is to support the establishment of a new and independent research program in an area of neurological surgery. The award is $40,000 per year for each of two years. This award is open to surgeons who ... are members or candidate members of both the ACS and the AANS; have completed specialty training within the preceding five years and have received a full-time faculty appointment at a US or Canadian accredited medical school.

The deadline for submitting annual applications for these awards is late October. They 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. New 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, DePuy Spine, 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.