Research We Fund
By connecting basic, translational, and clinical researchers, HA is accelerating hydrocephalus research and working to fulfill our mission.
Bench to Bedside
The Hydrocephalus Association Research Program is focused on advancing promising avenues of hydrocephalus research and building a committed and connected hydrocephalus research community. Through the support of three research networks and our patient-powered registry, HA has created a research ecosystem that improves the lives of those with hydrocephalus now, while identifying and testing new hypotheses and therapies. By connecting basic, translational, and clinical researchers, HA is accelerating hydrocephalus research and working to fulfill our mission.
Meet Our Latest Grantees
Funding high-impact, high-quality basic, and translational research is essential for the identification and testing of new drugs and other therapies that could change how we treat hydrocephalus. That is why, each year, the Hydrocephalus Association runs grant cycles to fund individual researchers conducting innovative and exciting research that will improve our understanding of the condition, identify and test new interventions, and move new discoveries towards clinical use.
Innovator Award
About the Award
Mercedeh Movassagh, PhD
Improving neonatal hydrocephalus diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through metagenomics and genetic characterization in Ugandan cohorts.
This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.
Read MoreJonathan R. Sukovich, PhD
Andreas Rauschecker, MD, PhD
Automated Volumetric Measurements for Early Diagnosis and Identification of Fetal Hydrocephalus Requiring Intervention.
Read MoreRonald Parchem, PhD
MicroRNA regulation of neural fate specification in congenital hydrocephalus.
Read MoreTim Cherry, PhD
The MicroMRNA, MIR9 as a Network Regulator in Hydrocephalus.
Read MoreMaria Lehtinen, PhD
Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Human and Porcine Choroid Plexus to study Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH).
This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Read MoreJennifer Strahle, MD
Amniotic fluid and CSF Factors Responsible for Hydrocephalus and Altered Brain Development in Myelomeningocele.
Read MoreRyann Fame, PhD
Identify common genetic pathways between neural tube defects.
Read MoreOlufemi Idowu, MBBS, FWACS, FACS
Identify the barriers which exist for patients with childhood hydrocephalus in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Read MoreRamin Eskandari, MD
Determine the most effective treatment window and dose for a previously determined therapeutic target of Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus.
This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Read MoreCarolyn A. Harris, PhD
Understand how the secretion and barrier functions of the choroid plexus are altered in response to inflammation. Develop shunt catheters with topographical changes to reduce shunt obstructions. Develop a patient-specific computational model and test ventricular catheters, placement, and outcomes with it to improve predictive capabilities of ventricular failure.
Read MoreGabriel Haller, PhD
Identify novel genes and pathways implicated in Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH) and identify potential biomarkers of PHH as well as explore potential drugs already developed which can be repurposed to target PHH.
This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Read MoreJames (Pat) McAllister II, PhD
Understand a disease pathway in Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus and analyze a potential therapeutic target.
This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Read MoreMaria Lehtinen, PhD
Identify a disease pathway that could be targeted therapeutically to potentially minimize white matter damage in Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus.
Read MoreJustin Cetas, MD, PhD
The role of the P450 eicosanoids in the development of hydrocephalus
Read MoreSheng Chih (Peter) Jin, PhD
A genome wide assessment of noncoding risk variants in congenital hydrocephalus
Read MoreMats Tullberg, MD, PhD
Utility of 3D gait analysis in reference to clinical assessments to detect significant change after a CSF taptest in patients investigated for iNPH
Read MoreJoanne Conover, PhD
Single – Cell Multiplex Characteriszation of Inflammartory Response in Congenital Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus
This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.
Read MoreBonnie Blazer-Yost, PhD
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Characterization of a Novel Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Read MoreDiscovery Science Awards
About the Award
Discovery Science Awards provide multiyear support for high quality, innovative, and timely research projects by established investigators. The goals of this grant are to expand the scope of promising research studies, increase a lab’s focus on hydrocephalus, and involve junior investigators in conducting the research through a substantial multiyear commitment. In 2018, the Discovery Science Awards were focused on posthemorrhagic and postinfectious hydrocephalus research.
Yun Yung, PhD
2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Scintillon Institute GOAL: Test a new way…
Read MoreDavid Limbrick, MD, PhD
2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Washington University in St. Louis GOAL: Test a…
Read MoreMaria Lehtinen, PhD
2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, Boston Children’s Hospital Overview: Dr. Maria Lehtinen…
Read MoreR. Reid Townsend, MD, PhD
2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Washington University Overview: Dr. R. Reid Townsend is…
Read MoreKristopher Kahle, MD, PhD
2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient
Read MoreCynthia Solomon Resident's Prize in Hydrocephalus
About the Award
One way the Hydrocephalus Association promotes research and leadership in hydrocephalus is through our annual Resident’s Prize. This prize is awarded each year to the most promising hydrocephalus-related research paper presented by a neurosurgical resident at the Pediatric Section meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The prize is designed to encourage young doctors to focus their research efforts on advancing treatment and care of individuals with hydrocephalus.
Cynthia Solomon, a co-founder and enduring advocate of HA, conceived the concept of the Resident’s Prize in 1998 to motivate neurosurgical residents to actively participate in research endeavors. To pay tribute to Cynthia's profound influence, this award underwent a renaming during our 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023. It will now be officially known as The Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus, encapsulating her lasting legacy and dedication to advancing hydrocephalus research.
Peter Chiarelli, MD, DPhil
2023 Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus PROJECT TITLE: info coming soon. Bio coming soon.
Read MoreLeonard H. Verhey, MD, PhD
2022 Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus PROJECT TITLE: Re-evaluation of ETV Success Score in Children with…
Read MoreMohammed Alshareef, MD
2020 Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus PROJECT TITLE: Complement Activation Leads to Worse Cognitive Outcomes Following…
Read MoreYoung Investigator Travel Award
About the Award
The National Conference on Hydrocephalus brings renowned clinicians and scientists together with the hydrocephalus patient community. The Conference is an ideal place for young investigators to meet the families affected by hydrocephalus and hopefully strengthen their commitment to a career focused on hydrocephalus, however, few young investigators are able to attend. This award aims to encourage young investigators to attend.
Tyrone DeSpenza Jr., BA
CSF hypersecretion in a genetic mouse model of congenital hydrocephalus
Read MoreTyler Vasas, BS
A role of the Immune System in Hydrocephalus Following Brain Bleeds in a Neonatal Mouse Model
Read MorePengfei Liang, PhD
Bleeding Can Increase Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Secretion
Read MoreMargaret Tish, BS
Ventricular enlargement and NPH symptoms in mice
Read MoreKedous Y. Mekbib, BS
Altered Genes regulating DNA Handling in Congenital Hydrocephalus
Read MoreJulianna Herman, MS
A Mouse Model of Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus: Stem Cell Zone Damage and Repair
Read MoreJeff Horbatiuk
An Inexpensive Way to Observe Initial Shunt Obstruction
Read MoreDavid Mazur-Hart, MD
The Role of GPR39 (Protein G) in Hemorrhage-Induced Hydrocephalus
Read MoreAngel Enriquez, BA
Self-clearing catheter for rapid ventricular hemorrhage clearance
Read MoreAjay Rajaram, PhD
Brain Monitoring to predict surgical outcome
Read MoreImproving Patient Care Now
We support two multicenter clinical research networks, the pediatric-focused Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) and the Adult HCRN (AHCRN). These networks of highly skilled clinician-scientists are changing how hydrocephalus clinical research is conducted and producing high quality, high impact studies at an unprecedented pace.
Bringing the Patient Voice to Research
The HA Patient-Powered Interactive Engagement Registry (HAPPIER) is an online database that was developed by HA and created to bring the patient perspective to hydrocephalus research. HAPPIER currently collects information on the treatment and symptoms, health, and quality of life of people living with hydrocephalus.
Communication and Collaboration Among Hydrocephalus Casic and Translational Researchers
The Hydrocephalus Association Network for Discovery Science (HANDS) is a platform for both communication and collaboration among hydrocephalus basic and translational researchers with a focus on mentorship, innovation, and shared infrastructure. Through HANDS we award research grants to individual investigators conducting innovative research and also hold research conferences and workshops that are designed to promote collaboration and identify promising new opportunities.