Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation

11/05/2025

In 2017, Dr. Connor David Berlin was awarded an NREF Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship, marking the beginning of his journey in neurosurgery. That early experience shaped his understanding of mentorship, perseverance, and the lifelong pursuit of learning.
Now a senior resident at , Dr. Berlin has become a leader among his peers while continuing to learn through NREF’s educational programs. Chosen to attend the 2025 NREF MIS and Emerging Technologies Course for Senior Residents and Fellows, he represents how NREF supports neurosurgeons through every stage of their careers, from their first research experience to advanced surgical training.
From research training to resident education, NREF continues to guide neurosurgeons like Dr. Berlin at every stage of their careers—fostering excellence, curiosity, and service in the next generation of leaders.
Learn about how you can support this cycle of growth and innovation through NREF via the NREF website.

10/25/2025

Time is running out! You have just one more week to submit your application for 2026–27 NREF Grants & Fellowships.

Applications close at 11:59 pm ET on November 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure critical funding for your research and career growth.

Apply here: https://ow.ly/1Xm750XgiOq

As a premier funder of neurosurgical studies, the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF), philanthropic arm of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), focuses on providing fellowship funding in basic neuroscience and neurosurgical programs in North America.

10/20/2025

Celebrate Dr. Kevin T. Foley’s legacy in spine innovation. The Kevin T. Foley Honor Your Mentor Fund supports research and discovery in spine, advancing the future of neurosurgery.
Make a gift today and help foster progress: https://ow.ly/9Nle50XeThN

10/18/2025

abstract deadline extended! Share your research and be part of the conversation in San Antonio. Submit by October 23 at 11:59 pm CT.
https://ow.ly/JsUG50Xekk2

10/17/2025

Tomorrow’s your last chance! Submit your abstract for and share your work among the world’s top neurosurgeons in San Antonio: https://ow.ly/bTno50XeenC

10/08/2025

The NREF extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Timir Banerjee, the latest philanthropist to reach the Platinum Level in the Cushing Circle of Giving.

Their generosity helps fund innovative research, advance education, and strengthen patient care. Join leaders like Dr. Banerjee in shaping the future of neurosurgery: https://ow.ly/G6Yh50X8vao

10/01/2025

Save the Date! Join us for the 3rd Annual Van Wagenen Hockey Tournament at the University of Minnesota, January 25, 2026. Proceeds support the Van Wagenen Fellowship Fund https://ow.ly/IbfF50X4YM6

09/30/2025

Applications for the 2026-27 SNS Neurosurgeon-Scientist Training Program (NSTP) – Year 1 and Year 2 open on October 1st.

The Society of Neurological Surgeons supports the next generation of neurosurgical pioneers through this unique program.

Now is your chance to secure critical funding and elevate your career.

Apply today: https://ow.ly/betV50X3UIS

As a premier funder of neurosurgical studies, the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF), philanthropic arm of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), focuses on providing fellowship funding in basic neuroscience and neurosurgical programs in North America.

09/29/2025

The Edward S. Connolly Honor Your Mentor Fund provides funding for clinical outcome studies, clinical or basic science research, and fellowships in spine.

Celebrate Dr. Connolly’s legacy in spine research and education by making a donation to the fund named in his honor: https://ow.ly/xsZs50X3UHn

09/29/2025

The Spinal Deformity Course for Residents, held September 12–14 at 's Bioskills Education Center in Long Island, NY, was a remarkable success!
Senior residents (PGY5+) gained advanced training through expert-led lectures, case discussions, and immersive cadaveric labs. Topics ranged from thoracolumbar and cervical deformity evaluation, osteotomies, and lateral approaches to practice with pedicle screw placement and cervical fixation.
Special thanks to our Course Director Daniel Sciubba, MD, MBA, Local Chair Sheng-Fu Larry Lo, MD and an outstanding faculty team for their dedication to training the next generation of spine surgeons.
This program would not be possible without the generous support of our industry partners:


VB Spine
New Age Medical



Kuros Biosciences

09/29/2025

The 2025 Endovascular and Vascular Techniques Course this past weekend brought senior neurosurgery residents and expert faculty together for an enriching weekend of advanced training!
Participants explored everything from angiography basics, endovascular aneurysm treatments, liquid embolics, mechanical embolectomy, and carotid stenting to bypass surgery and AVM reconstruction. Hands-on labs featured cadavers/animals, web models, virtual simulators, flow models, offering residents the chance to refine critical techniques under expert guidance.
A special thank you to our incredible course directors, Drs. Andrew Grande and Mark Bain, our outstanding faculty, and the Medical Education & Research Institute team for shaping an impactful program that continues to advance the training for future cerebrovascular neurosurgeons.
This course would not have been possible without the generous partnership and support of our industry collaborators:



inc healthineers
Imperative Caret d

09/25/2025

Call for Abstracts
Share your latest research & help shape the future of neurosurgery! Submit now to be part of the premier scientific program in San Antonio, May 1–4, 2026.

NEW THIS YEAR: AANS Plenary Scientific Abstract Session (Non-CME) – a prestigious platform for peer-reviewed research & emerging data across academia, clinical practice & industry. Submit now: https://ow.ly/grjq50X27ku