Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation

03/14/2026

Congratulations to Laureen Hachem, MD, PhD, on the publication of her latest research in Nature Neuroscience. Supported in part by funding from the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF), this important work advances our understanding of how the spinal cord responds to injury and identifies mechanisms that may help unlock the regenerative potential of neural stem and progenitor cells. By exploring ways to enhance cellular activation and migration after spinal cord injury, Dr. Hachem and her colleagues are helping move the field closer to therapies that could improve recovery and functional outcomes for patients.

03/13/2026

Interested in attending an NREF course this year? Sign up to be notified when the nomination window opens for each course: https://ow.ly/4WTX50YtM65

These education courses are nomination only, and a program director (or coordinator) must submit your nomination. Be sure to speak with your program director about nominating you. Explore the 2026 course offerings here: https://ow.ly/MN2150YtM68

03/12/2026

The NREF has advanced careers and the specialty of neurosurgery, but there is still so much to learn. Help us continue driving innovation, training future leaders, and funding groundbreaking research. Show your support at: https://ow.ly/C22z50YsRys

03/12/2026

The NREF has advanced careers and the specialty of neurosurgery, but there is still so much to learn. Help us continue driving innovation, training future leaders, and funding groundbreaking research. Show your support at: https://ow.ly/2skJ50YsRss

02/12/2026

Two NREF grant recipients, Drs. Adam Sonabend (2012–13) and Mark Youngblood (2022–23), are among the authors of a newly published study highlighting a non-invasive method to predict chemotherapy response in glioblastoma.
Published in Nature Communications, the research examines how advanced imaging and molecular analysis may help physicians better determine which patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy. This work represents an important step toward more personalized and effective care for patients facing one of the most aggressive brain tumors.
Read the full article: https://ow.ly/myjV50YexVY
In his NREF testimonial, Dr. Youngblood discusses the findings from his fellowship research project, shares the current status of that work and explains how NREF support helped shape his goals as a neurosurgeon-scientist.
Watch Dr. Youngblood’s testimonial: https://ow.ly/lQKJ50Yexy5
Support the future of neurosurgical research: https://ow.ly/Iwx850YexEZ

02/05/2026

Save the Date! The 2026 NREF Resident & Fellow Course calendar has been announced. If you are interested in coming to an in-person course, talk to your program director about your nomination.

01/30/2026

Congratulations to the Long Island Ducks, winners of the 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament! The event raised $40,000 to support the Van Wagenen Fellowship Fund.
The 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament was a huge success!
With around 40 players and tough competition, the tournament was a nail biter! The Long Island Ducks managed to come through with the win, taking down the Peterborough Patriots in the final. Congrats to all the participants for an awesome effort on the ice and thank you to those who generously supported the fundraiser!
Special thanks to the partners of the tournament - Kaneka, , , , and Scientia Vascular.
There is still time to contribute to the fundraiser. Use the link in our bio to make a donation.
The William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship is one of the most distinguished awards in neurosurgery, providing recipients with a unique opportunity to gain global research experience, collaborate with leading neurosurgeons worldwide, and contribute to advancements in the field.
A huge thank you to .andrew.grande for hosting and leading the planning efforts, for capturing the action with fantastic photos and .art for designing the tournament’s standout logo!

01/29/2026

Congratulations to the Long Island Ducks, winners of the 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament. The event raised $40,000 to support the Van Wagenen Fellowship Fund. https://ow.ly/eIZ650Y5HJI The 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament was a huge success!
With around 40 players and tough competition, the tournament was a nail biter! The Long Island Ducks managed to come through with the win, taking down the Peterborough Patriots in the final. Congrats to all the participants for an awesome effort on the ice and thank you to those who generously supported the fundraiser!
Special thanks to the partners of the tournament - Kaneka, Medtronic, Mitaka, Mizuho, Peter Lazic and Scientia Vascular.
There is still time to contribute to the fundraiser.
Use this link to make a donation: https://ow.ly/WvJu50Y5HJL
The William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship is one of the most distinguished awards in neurosurgery, providing recipients with a unique opportunity to gain global research experience, collaborate with leading neurosurgeons worldwide, and contribute to advancements in the field.

01/21/2026

Heading to Phoenix for the 2026 Spine Summit? Information about NREF courses, grants and fellowship programs available in the AANS Booth.

Spine Summit 2025 | Register now for this transformative experience that will elevate your practice & connect you with a community of peers.

01/16/2026

Save the date! NREF will host four hands-on courses again in 2026. Interested in attending? Talk with your program director about a nomination. The nomination window will open soon.
Click here to learn more about our hands-on courses: https://ow.ly/eYys50XYeNn

01/16/2026

Since its inception, the NREF has invested over $30 million in the future of neurosurgery through its support of grants, fellowships and education courses. With your support, we can accomplish even more! Give today at https://ow.ly/cu2g50XWIiq

01/15/2026

Only a week left until the 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament! Register now before its too late: https://ow.ly/bQvi50XXmMr